Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted his great admiration for Southampton.
Saints held City 0-0 at the Etihad and 1-1 at St Mary's in the Premier League this campaign.
And the City boss believes Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final against Ralph Hasenhuttl's men will be equally difficult.
“Why was it difficult? Because they are good," said Guardiola.
“They play with intensity, rhythm, quality and the manager and players are good. They are consistent.
“When we win against United, it's because 'United was a disaster.' When we draw with Palace 'we are a disaster.' It's not one thing or the other.
“On Monday, we were good and Palace defended well. When Southampton take results against us it is because they are good. The opponents were good.
“Other opponents play with personality, sustain their rhythm for 90 minutes and this is huge credit to them - I respect a lot what the teams can do.
“I don't judge results only. I said many times, when you defend the last action against Tottenham like we do, you don't deserve to win.
“But did we play to lose the game? No - we were there against a difficult team.
“We have an incredible amount of points so far. And when you watch our opponents in the past few seasons, they are very, very good.
“Just see how many players came from Southampton over the last few years – players like Virgil van Dijk… many top players are there, sometimes they sell them to the other clubs.
“The recruitment is good and have they have top managers. They are doing a really good job."
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