Bournemouth defender Sylvain Distin believes that no matter what team Manchester City put out on Saturday, his Cherries team are in for a tough afternoon.

The Citizens are expected to be without injured star duo Sergio Aguero up front and midfielder playmaker David Silva for the encounter at the Etihad Stadium.

Aguero is out of action due to a hamstring injury picked up whilst playing for Argentina, while Silva picked up an ankle problem with Spain.

However, the Premier League leaders have such strength in depth that they are able to replace on international star with another should they suffer any injury setbacks.

Former Everton defender Distin is fully aware of the strength of City squad and is under no illusions his side will have an easier ride without Aguero and Silva in the sky blues shirts this weekend.

He said: “You can look at it thinking it’s going to be easier, but the truth is it won’t be.

“They’ve got a really good bench, and they’ve got players not even on the bench who are international players.

“No matter what, it’s going to be a tough game, and if we start believing without those two it should be a comfortable afternoon, we’ll get that very wrong.”

Bournemouth, who have secured two wins in their opening eight games of the Premier League season so far, are currently at 9.50 to claim the three points, 5.00 to draw and 1.33 to lose to City on Saturday.