Marco Silva has talked up Manchester City, describing them as the best team in England "by a distance", ahead of Fulham's FA Cup clash.
The Blues will continue their push for silverware on Saturday as they welcome the Championship league leaders to the Etihad on Saturday afternoon
Pep Guardiola has City in superb form again this season, after moulding the squad into domestic and European powerhouses, with his team having raced into a nine-point gap at the top of the Premier League.
The Cottagers were handily beaten in both Premier League games against City last season, contributing towards their eventual relegation under Scott Parker.
And ahead of the two teams' reunion in the cup competition, Portuguese chief Silva expressed his awe of the reigning top-flight champions.
"They are the best in England by a distance," he said.
"Since Pep joined they have been dominant, not just with the results, but the quality of football, and the way they are winning matches.
"It will be a tough game for us and the toughest we will have this season but it is the easiest to prepare for because it is so clear what they want to do and how they do it.
"We have to be at our top level and we will play with a big ambition and try to enjoy the moment knowing they will create a lot of problems for us."
City tasted disappointment in the FA Cup semi-final last season and face a free-scoring and in-form Fulham side, who kept one of their prized assets in 19-year-old Fabio Carvalho whose deadline day deal to Liverpool fell through.
Sign up to our City newsletter so you never miss an update from the Etihad Stadium this season.
