Pep Guardiola issues warning to Manchester City players ahead of Southampton clash

So far, Manchester City look on course to enjoy yet another trophy-laden season.

Coming off the back of a 5-0 thumping of Copenhagen on Wednesday night, the Sky Blues extended their winning run to three victories in the Champions League this season.

Last Sunday, Pep Guardiola’s side demolished Manchester United 6-3 in the 188th Manchester Derby, maintaining their status as the only unbeaten team in the Premier League this season.

As Arsenal face Liverpool on Sunday evening, Manchester City have a chance to assert their dominance at the top of the league table on Saturday afternoon with a victory against Southampton.

While the contest may seem like a mismatch on paper given the form of both teams, Manchester City succumbed to two draws against the Saints in the Premier League last season.

Keeping that in mind, Pep Guardiola previewed his side’s upcoming clash against Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men, issuing a stern warning to his players about what they could face this weekend.

“I said so far you always worry about how we will react," he said.

Pep Guardiola continued, “There is no time to reflect on how we have done because there is a game every three days.

"Now we have Southampton. We struggle every season to try to control the game.

"We are ready to do a good game."

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola.

The Manchester City boss continued by revealing what he expects from the visitors this weekend.

"I expect a brave team, so aggressive. So well organised, they have a culture I like a lot but we have to maintain this momentum and create a good rhythm. It is an important match for us.

"We have no time for distractions. There is nothing much we can do, in three games, we have to travel again.”

As things stand, the Premier League champions also have an impressive record at the Etihad Stadium, with six wins out of six games at home.

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City.

Building somewhat of a fortress on their home turf, the hosts will ensure that Southampton certainly have a tall task ahead of them this weekend.

Despite Romeo Lavia currently being out injured, the likes of Samuel Edozie, Juan Larios and Gavin Bazunu could be reunited with their former employers - a sight which the majority of Manchester City fans are looking forward to seeing.

At the end of the day, City’s ultimate objective remains to maintain their blistering form and continue to pile on the pressure on Arsenal.