BOSS Eddie Howe claims Cherries can use the opportunity to make history as a motivational tool against the Premier League's big hitters.

The Dorset club has never claimed a victory against Saturday's opponents Manchester City, with the Citizens winning all six Premier League matches between the two sides.

Tottenham and Manchester City are the only current top-flight teams Cherries are yet to achieve a league win over.

However, Howe says his players could use their record against Premier League heavyweights to spur them on – whether they are positive or negative.

Asked about the impact of previous results against the league's top sides, Howe said: "If we haven't done something we use it as motivation to try to do it and, if we have done it before, it should be confidence for the players to do it again.

"Through time you want to try to impose yourself and stamp your strengths on the game, rather than being reactive to theirs but it is easier said than done.

"Sometimes you have a vision of how games are going to pan out and the reality is different to what you want or what you plan for.

"It all depends on the ability of our players to produce their best performances. If we can do that then we can impose our strengths."