The Midlands side are rooted to the foot of the Premier League following a dreadful run of eight straight losses – a sequence that cost manager Tim Sherwood his job.
The Brazilian, who has been in excellent form this season, is hoping to continue in the team and help maintain City’s position at the top of the table.
“Every game in the Premier League is a tough one,” said Fernando.
“Although Aston Villa are at the bottom of the table, we know they are a team that play hard and are capable of playing very well. They are aggressive, they have a new manager but we have to be focused in order to earn another three points.
I believe that your squad does not always match or reflect your position in the table
...Fernando Reges #6...
“Based on the players they have, we know it will be a hard match and I am sure they will cause us problems, but we are aiming to play the way we know we can and win the game.”
Fernando also warned that Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott and Scott Sinclair will all be doing their best to try and put one over on the Blues, adding: “They are great players with a lot of experience and they are doing their best to help their team. We will catch up with them after the game, but we are going to Villa Park for the win.”
Fernando admits that injury and setting into life in England meant he wasn’t at his best in his first year with City.
But after several high quality displays this campaign, the Brazilian looks back to his best and says he is much happier now with life on and off the pitch.
“I am more comfortable and I have adjusted myself in the Premier League,” he said. “When you live here you really need to adjust, as it’s a different culture from what I was used to. But now I am more settled and confident.
“In fact, I adapted very well! It was more my family that had to also get used to the weather, the language and everything else and inevitably you end up feeling it as well. But now it’s all good!
“The Premier League is a very unforgiving competition and when you are not firing on all cylinders, you can’t deliver and do exactly want you want to. When you are fit, you can develop, create and deliver.
“Thanks to our medical team, I am now 100% fit, playing well and thanks to God I have been able to help my team.
“I am equally happy with my performance on the pitch, but happier because I was able to help my team. It was a great performance against Sevilla who are a very difficult team, especially their own ground and we need to carry on the momentum from that game.”
