City have lost the last two encounters in the Midlands, going down 2-1 and 1-0 in the past couple of campaigns.
Guardiola is a big admirer of the man who masterminded those victories, Unai Emery.
And ahead of Sunday’s 14:00 (UK) kick-off, the boss stressed Emery’s Villans are at the level of a Champions League side despite missing out by the finest of margins last season.
“They were much, much better than us in the last two fixtures we played at Villa Park,” the manager told media at his press conference.
“Hopefully it will be different on Sunday.
MATCH PREVIEW | ASTON VILLA V CITY
“The admiration I have for Unai is so high. He is incredibly consistent, well prepared and so smart, really good.
“Aston Villa I know they aren’t in the Champions League for a one point.
“I think in the last nine games they won eight and then just lost the last one at Old Trafford. So for me it is a team that is Champions League.
“They created a lot of problems for the Champions League winners, PSG so they are well organised, with a lot of quality and they have everything.
“It’s one of the toughest, toughest, toughest away games we have in the season.”
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