City come up against the Gunners on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium with kick-off set for 16:30 (UK) as we look to close the gap at the Premier League summit.
Guardiola’s side will be looking to continue winning ways in April following impressive victories over Liverpool in the FA Cup and in the league at Chelsea last weekend.
The occasion marks our third meeting with the North London outfit after a 1-1 draw at the Emirates in September and impressive 2-0 Carabao Cup final win at Wembley Stadium which saw City earn our ninth League Cup.
The City boss is relishing Sunday’s upcoming encounter and says he is pleased that his team have challenged Mikel Arteta’s side across various competitions.
“They are strong in all departments,” Pep said.
“The duals, the physicality. They are really good with the second-balls, when they defend deep their transition is good - it is one of the best of the best.
“They are so aggressive and set-pieces - that’s why they are who they are.
“They have been in the semi-final of the Champions League, top of the Premier League all season.
“I am proud to be there still challenging them.
“Unfortunately not in the Champions League but in the Carabao Cup we won - in the FA Cup we are in the semi-finals and here we are.
“We will see what happens.
“How we perform and after that will be a secret of how to do an almost-perfect job and win these kind of rivals.”
Watch the recap in the media conference in the video player above...
