Manchester City's fit-again Aymeric Laporte admits they've been caught by their rivals this season.

The defending Premier League champions are this season fighting for a top four finish.

And Laporte said, “Others have improved, and they have studied us too," said the former Athletic Bilbao star.

“It gets more difficult every year so we have to stay focused, work a lot and concentrate, and be more like we have been in the last two years and try to win every single game."

Laporte is expected to get another run-out against Fulham in the FA Cup on Sunday and says he will be ready for 90 minutes against Manchester United in the second leg of the EFL Cup semis on Wednesday.

“You will have to ask the manager, but I will be there, I will be there with the team," he said.