Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has described Pep Guardiola as "always the best manager or one of the best in the world" ahead of Manchester City's visit to St Mary's.
City, who were held to a goalless draw by the Saints in their last meeting back in September, will arrive on the south coast looking to register a 13th successive Premier League win, as they aim to take another step towards retaining their crown.
A win for the Blues this teatime will see them move 14 points clear at the summit, ahead of Liverpool facing Crystal Palace tomorrow afternoon at Selhurst Park, meaning Guardiola's troops would be one step nearer to securing a fourth Premier League title of his premiership.
With City having built up a reputation for being consistent title challengers under Guardiola, Saints chief Hasenhuttl believes it is that consistency that ought to see the former Barcelona boss separated from the rest.
"I think he is for me always the best manager or one of the best in the world," Hasenhuttl said, as quoted by the Daily Echo. "He deserves this title every season because for me the toughest title you can win is the Premier League title.
"It's tougher than the Champions League because you have to be so consistent over such a long time against such good teams.
"It's so tough. This is why he is one of the best for me."
Today's trip to St Mary's will mark City's last outing in all competitions until facing Fulham in the fourth round of the FA Cup on February 4, meaning Guardiola will be under no pressure to rest his star players ahead of, for example, a big Champions League game in midweek.
With that in mind, Hasenhuttl is anticipating a tussle with City's strongest available XI, even though they will still be without Riyad Mahrez, despite Algeria's early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.
"They would [rest players] if they have an important game during the week," the Southampton boss added.
"But there is no game so I think they need games for staying in the rhythm. I think they will come with what they have.
"They can definitely balance the impact for the players. I think now their big target will be the Champions League because it's the one title they haven't won so far.
"They will concentrate on this for sure because it is so special. But the Premier League is still a league where you cannot let it run, or on a bicycle stop twisting, because otherwise you look over your shoulder and suddenly they are (catching up with you).
"I'm sure Pep knows what to do. I don't need to tell him. He will find the right mixture of let them play or rest in the right moment."
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