David Villa backs Manchester City for Premier League title under Pep Guardiola

By Nick Marsh

Image: David Villa played under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona

David Villa has backed Manchester City to win the Premier League title under Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola officially takes over at City on Friday, July 1 and will be unveiled to thousands of supporters at a fan event on Sunday.

The Spaniard arrives at the Etihad Stadium after winning a domestic double with Bayern Munich and New York City FC star Villa, who played under Guardiola at Barcelona, has tipped him to add English silverware to his collection.

Image: Villa believes Guardiola can lead Manchester City to the title

Villa, speaking ahead of New York City's derby with New York Red Bulls on Sunday - a game live on Sky - told Sky Sports: "I like Guardiola of course, he is one of the best coaches in the world.

"I was very lucky to learn from him for two years at Barcelona and his arrival is great news for the Premier League, Manchester City and the Manchester City family. I am very happy for him.

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Image: Villa is in his second season at New York City FC

"Manchester City are now one of the the biggest teams in the Premier League but with Guardiola they will grow even more than they have over the last six or so years. They can win the title."

Villa's MLS side were thrashed 7-0 at the hands of their Hudson River rivals last time out and the former Spain international says his team-mates must avenge that humiliating defeat on Sunday evening.

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"We are ready for the game," he said. 

The New York derby was one to forget for New York City FC as they lost 7-0 to their rivals in MLS

"We are playing against a very good team, against our rivals in the city. The last game against them was very bad for us but now we've had good preparation in the last two weeks with two wins in the last two games. We want three in a row and are thinking of nothing more.

"Of course the last game was bad for us - the result was amazing for Red Bulls - but we are in a different game now and we need to win this one. It's a really important game."

Watch New York City FC vs New York Red Bulls on Sunday live from 5.25pm on Sky Sports 1 or follow our live blog at skysports.com and on the Sky Sports mobile and iPad apps.

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