DEFENDER Simon Francis believes Sergio Aguero is the best frontman in the top flight at present – but will be going all-out to thwart the Manchester City star.

The Cherries skipper could go head-to-head with the lethal Argentinian striker when Cherries visit Etihad Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday (3pm).

Aguero found the net with a late header as City twice came from behind to qualify for the Champions’ League last 16 after a 2-2 draw at Lyon on Tuesday.

It took to 211 his goal tally for the club, having joined from Atletico Madrid for £38million in July 2011.

Eight league goals this campaign means Aguero is on 151 Premier League strikes. He is eighth in the all-time list of scorers, 11 behind Cherries striker Jermain Defoe.

Asked how Aguero compared to the rest of the Premier League’s hitmen, Francis told the Daily Echo: “I think he is up the top, probably at number one with Harry Kane a close second.

“Harry can certainly catch him in terms of the Premier League’s best striker but you have to look at Aguero and the goals he has scored – he is just a phenomenal striker and someone we have to be aware of.

“If you stop Aguero then you go some way to stopping them scoring.

“But they have so many players who can score goals in their team, it’s not just about one player – you have to watch out for about four others.

“They have the squad, that’s the difference. They can bring in players who still have that top quality, no matter who plays in the starting XI.

“They make so many good runs, good passes and you have to be switched on for 90 minutes to try not to concede.”

Cherries are yet to take a point off City since stepping up to the top flight.

They have lost six meetings against the defending league champions, conceding 21 times in the process.

Pep Guardiola’s side are top of the pile in the division this campaign, winning 11 and drawing just two of their 13 games.

Asked whether City were on a different level to any other side in the division, Francis replied: “I’m not sure, Liverpool are running them close but I expect them to be in the top-two for sure.

“They will be the ones to chase. If you can finish ahead of Manchester City then you are probably going to win the league this season.

“I think they have stepped it up from last season. The look like they are always improving and have a top-quality manager.

“It’s enjoyable to play against these teams, that’s what you thrive on and are in the game for. It will be an exciting test for us.

“We will be going there wanting to get something out of it, especially with the run of games we have had. Where we have lost three on the bounce, we don’t want to make it four.

“We will try to create chances, try to take our chances and see what happens.”