The Saints have been excellent this season and currently sit third in the table, four points off top spot.
Ahead of the game, Guardiola discussed the threat they pose - and took time to congratulate Lucy Bronze on winning The Best FIFA Women’s Player of the Year award.
“Lucy did a great job at Lyon, congratulations to her and we are proud she is here,” he said.
“The better players - men and women - we have, the more success. Big congratulations to her.
“Southampton have an exceptional manager. I know him a little bit from my time in Germany. He was at many clubs, Leipzig played in a specific style.
“He has experience at the back and one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, [Oriol] Romeu. They have James Ward-Prowse, incredible player in set pieces.
“So no surprise in their success. Southampton for many, many years have been working well - so no surprise.
“But it is a challenge and we will see what happens.”
Watch the first part of Pep’s press conference vis the video above - and join us right here at 10.30pm for the rest.
We will have full coverage of Saturday’s game against Southampton right here on ManCity.com.
Our Matchday Centre will get under way at 1pm, with text updates throughout the day meaning you won’t miss a beat.
Our We’re Not Really Here live matchday show starts at 2pm, with David James and Shaun Goater joining us in the studio.
And CITY+ subscribers can enjoy a full 90-minute replay from midnight.
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