Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is convinced next opponents Manchester City will be a major Premier League power next season.

He told Villa's website: "There is no doubt the game will be extremely difficult for us.

"We could have been facing Kaka - and who's to say we won't be facing up against him next season - you never know in this game.

"Manchester City have spent heavily in the January transfer window with not only this season but future ones in mind too. And they will certainly, within six or seven months, be a force to be reckoned with.

"They will be major players in the Premier League next season."