Bournemouth's poor recent form not fooling Pep Guardiola: "It will be a tough game"

Manchester City will visit one of the worst Premier League teams in 2017 when they face AFC Bournemouth down in the south coast on Monday. The Cherries have not won a game this year and are conceding goals at an alarming rate, and given their record against City, they won't be too excited to be playing the Citizens.

In three meetings between Bournemouth and City since last season, the Sky Blues won all three with a 13-1 aggregate score, and given the Cherries' recent form, it's not crazy to assume we could be looking at another easy win for City.

Pep Guardiola won't be fooled. "Every game is completely different. Bournemouth is a tough, tough team", the City manager said. "I admire my colleague [Eddie Howe] and think it will be a tough game."

Pep continued, “Bournemouth start really well. Last few years, it’s outstanding what they have done. They are so aggressive. They are an honest team. They want to do something. They are fast guys to use the counter attack.

“I know what happened against Liverpool, Arsenal — big teams. It will be a tough game, I have no doubts about that.”

Bournemouth did beat Liverpool 4-3 at home coming from behind and got off to a sensational start against Arsenal, also at home, opening a 3-0 lead before allowing the Gunners to pick up a draw. Plenty of goals tend to go in when Bournemouth face big teams, and that will probably happen against City.

City are massive favorites, but they're in for a tough Monday night. It'll be fun, though.