Guardiola Hails Vardy As City Aim To Peel Away From Foxes

Vardy has been a thorn in the flesh of Manchester City in the past, making the champions his third favorite opponent behind Liverpool and Arsenal when it comes to scoring goals.

In 10 Premier League games against Manchester City, Vardy has scored six times, included the Foxes’ consolation goal when Pep Guardiola’s men beat them 3-1 in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium back in December.

Vardy is the Premier League’s top scorer with 17 goals, and despite going six top flight appearances without finding the back of the net, Guardiola is impressed with the former England international’s performances.

Asked at his pre-match press-conference on Friday why Vardy thrives against City, Guardiola said: 'We play 40 metres in front so it’s perfect for him.

'Vardy scores goals against us and all the teams. Because even in the box and in the final third, he is one of the best strikers I have ever seen.

'Intensity and high pressing, many things he is an exceptional player.'

With just four points separating second-placed Manchester City and third-placed Leicester, Guardiola is impressed with Brendan Rodgers’ side, who are well on course of securing Champions League football next season.

'I said before the home game, how impressed I am (with Leicester),’ Guardiola added.

'They have incredible organisation, good scouting, they know what they have to do.

'It’s nice to see teams play like this. It’s good for English football to have managers like this. '