MANCHESTER City boss Pep Guardiola says Cherries are "a club I really admire" as he prepares to face them this evening.

Jason Tindall puts his unbeaten record as a manager on the line when he takes his side to the Etihad Stadium tonight (7.45pm), in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Not only will he be facing one of the best sides in the country, but Man City are the holders of the trophy, having won it in each of the past three seasons.

Writing in the Manchester City match programme ahead of tonight's game, Guardiola said: "I want to extend a warm welcome to the staff and players at Bournemouth, a club I really admire.

"As soon as I came to City, it was clear they were a side who always tried to play attractive football.

"The work Eddie Howe did there should be admired by everyone - the success he enjoyed and the style he encouraged - and Jason Tindall, I am sure, will continue in the same way, given his knowledge of the club."

Cherries are yet to beat City in 16 meetings between the sides, including a 2-1 defeat in Manchester in July.