Yaya Toure admits he has a healthy respect for today’s opponents and believes Southampton are not far short of being a very good side.

Player Tweets: 08/02/13

It’s been a typically busy seven days for the City players on Twitter following a hectic international schedule for many of the lads. Here’s what they’ve been tweeting about this week...

Storified by Manchester City FC· Fri, Feb 08 2013 07:59:22

Del Monte Dzeko: Edin shares a healthy snack.
Healthy snack http://pic.twitter.com/nTHWZJqHEdin Džeko
John Guidetti takes his seat for the City v Liverpool game.
Cant Wait until My first game in This stadium infront of the #mcfc fans :) http://instagr.am/p/VJzyLjRQfD/John Guidetti
At Carrington Super Bowl fever has taken hold.
It’s the arm wrestle the world wanted to see: @JoleonLescott v Micah Richards. Who wins? All will be revealed! #MCFC http://pic.twitter.com/iNNfty5PManchester City FC
As the Super Bowl approaches I thought I’d share a pic with you. Me and the big man @raylewis. #TeamRavens http://pic.twitter.com/9ctkXXQrJoleon Lescott
Like the 47,000 fans inside the Etihad Stadium, George is amazed by Sergio’s equaliser against Liverpool.
What a finish from that angle!!!! AGUEROOOOOOOO! Come on city!George Evans
The man himself as level-headed as always following the 2-2 draw.
A tough match, but it was a fair result. As I always say, we’ll fight til the end.Sergio Aguero
Our Argentine duo catch a plan to meet up with their compatriots in Sweden for the midweek friendly.
Con @pablo_zabaleta y @fdisanto9 http://pic.twitter.com/nUVQCmu4Sergio Aguero
Meanwhile, the Manchester weather takes another turn for the worse.
On way to training with snowww ❄❄❄❄De camino a entrenar con esta nevada ❄❄❄ http://pic.twitter.com/yoDKcKaxDenis Suarez
Like all of us, John and George were wowed by Joe Hart’s double-save against Brazil.
Woow joe hart truly is the best in the world !John Guidetti
What a save by Hart! #ComeOnEnglandGeorge Evans
Meanwhile, Sergio catches up with his Argentine pals following their 3-2 win against the Swedes.
Felices después del triunfo junto a Leo, @Mascherano y @PochoLavezzi http://pic.twitter.com/IH3AJHypSergio Aguero
An early morning flight for Harry and George who are off to Ghana with Jordi Hiwula for a week’s training. 
@Harry_bunn and @georgeharryswan checking in ahead of #Ghana http://pic.twitter.com/DN9KVTbhManchester City FC
Just had a walk through the village in #Ghana #eyeopener http://pic.twitter.com/XKczNfPvHarry Bunn
Had a great time coaching with the local kids this morning http://pic.twitter.com/WiX7e2IzHarry Bunn

The Saints pushed City hard earlier in the season, eventually losing 3-2 as two late goals from Edin Dzeko and Samir Nasri secured the points for the Blues who had trailed 2-1 at one stage.

Now, Yaya is expecting another stern test from the Saints who have only lost twice in their last 10 Premier League games.

“I was watching Southampton when I was in Africa and they reminded me a little of Arsenal,” said Yaya who is set for his first City start since New Year’s Day.

“They are a good side and play really good football and have a good philosophy. It will be a tough game for us, especially as it is at their stadium but we are prepared and ready.

“Every team in the Premier League gives 100% and every game is very hard but we have to give that little bit more and work even harder to make our fans happy.

 

If the opposition give 100%, we must give 120% and that’s how it will be until the end of the season

 

...Yaya Toure...

 

With the Blues in action 24 hours before United, Yaya believes it is imperative City close the gap and keep the title fires burning.

“We are behind but we won’t let up or stop believing,” he said.

yaya celebrates

“If we continue to put pressure on United and openings will appear. I think if they know we won’t give up, they will begin to feel a little nervous and that’s when mistakes creep in. 

 

We must remember we are only in early February and if we work hard, we believe we can still win back-to-back titles

 

...Yaya...

 

“We have to meet each challenge as it comes because we want to win the Premier League and the FA Cup. “