Barcelona defender Gerard Pique believes that Manchester City are a different beast this season under Pep Guardiola as they prepare to go head-to-head on Wednesday.

The Spain international returned to Barcelona from Manchester United in 2008 just months before Guardiola was appointed as the successor to Frank Rijkaard.

Pique spent four years playing under Guardiola as they claimed three league titles, two Copa del Rey crowns and won the Champions League twice.

Guardiola is now set to return to the Nou Camp when his new club face Barcelona in the Champions League. The Catalans lead the way in Group C, boasting back-to-back wins, while City slipped up as they drew 3-3 with Celtic last time out.

However, Pique believes the Premier League outfit will provide a stern test and feels they have improved hugely since the arrival of Guardiola.

Pique said: “These games are big matches, games in which we need to give the most. We will be playing against a very different City to the one from previous seasons.

“Pep is in charge and has changed things. I think City are a different team to last year and all the years they came here with (Manuel) Pellegrini.

Their style is different. They pressure high. I think they try to play more or less like us. Pep understands football the way we do.

It will be a very challenging game and I hope we can win. “Pep marked all of us who worked under him. We understand football in a different way ever since he was with us.

He changed the history of the football club. “The game will be a challenge. City play very similar to us. They will be pressuring. It will be a good challenge to demonstrate we are still on top by winning.”

Barcelona can be backed at 1.44 to continue their winning run in the Champions League while City are priced at 6.50 and the draw is available at 5.00.