Pep Guardiola and Man City have been warned about Bristol City ahead of FA Cup clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been instructed that Bristol City ‘will be a tough’ match for them ahead of their FA Cup clash at Ashton Gate on Tuesday night.

The Citizens travel to the West Country where tickets have been sold out for several weeks, and there is excitement building around the Gate. Nigel Pearson’s side recorded a 1-0 victory over Hull City on Saturday, which stretchered their unbeaten run to 12 matches in all competitions.

City have yet to taste defeat since the turn of the New Year, and have improved their position in the Championship table, as well as reaching the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup. A reward for beating Swansea City over two matches and a sublime performance against West Brom, is a clash against the reigning Premier League champions.

Man City have shown the full respect to Pearson’s men, and in recent weeks, there has been a presence from the six-time Premier League winners, who have won two-back-to-back titles. He has sent a scout to watch over his next opponents, and whilst that is common practice, especially for a side of their riches, it shows they are taking no chances against lower league opposition.

In his post-match press conference after his side beat Bournemouth, he said: “I'm thinking about Bristol now, it will be a tough game. My scout has told me already how serious we have to take it.”

Guardiola’s comments could hint that he could name a strong team on Tuesday evening, which would delight many home fans who want to see their heroes up against some of the world’s best players. Kevin de Bruyne was an unused substitute in their 4-1 win over Bournemouth, and has missed the last two matches but this could present an opportunity for the Belgian superstar to rebuild his match fitness. Aymeric Laporte is another player that could return as he missed the last two matches through illness, and John Stones is pushing to be involved after suffering a hamstring injury at the end of January.

Goalscoring machine Erling Haaland could also feature after getting back on the scoresheet in the rout against the Cherries. Haaland scored his 27th league goal of the season and is almost certain to win the Golden Boot this season. His prolific scoring streak slowed down slightly by his standards with blanks against Tottenham, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Leipzig but he could be unleashed against Bristol City.