Boss Unai Emery has warned Aston Villa to expect a wounded Manchester City.
The manager believes City will be united after being charged by the Premier League with more than 100 alleged breaches of its financial rules.
City boss Pep Guardiola feels the club have already proved their innocence and believes the charges have been driven by rival top-flight clubs.
Villa go to the Etihad on Sunday and Emery is wary of the backlash after a week of headlines.
'I've played against Manchester City here and in the Champions League, it's a very difficult match.