Eddie Howe: 'Bournemouth will need luck at Manchester City'

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has admitted that his side will have to be lucky to defeat Premier League leaders Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday.

City go into this weekend's meeting looking to win their 17th consecutive top-flight tie after defeating Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 at home last weekend.

Howe, whose Bournemouth side are without a win since mid-November, has said that the Cherries must go into the game with no fear.

"I think we have to believe that we can win," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "Saying that, it's going to be extremely difficult and we're probably going to need a bit of luck.

"I do believe we can get a result, but we're going to need everything to go in our favour. Historically, being the underdog has helped us. We can really try and be ourselves without the pressure.

"I don't feel fireproof at all or immune from the pressure of other Premier League managers. However, we are a unique football club."

The Cherries will be looking to maintain their 11-point lead at the summit of the league, while Bournemouth are aiming to move away from the relegation zone.