CHERRIES head coach Andoni Iraola believes his side will have to be “mentally very, very, very, solid” in order to get anything from their visit to Manchester City this weekend.

Iraola’s charges visit the reigning champions with hopes of creating club history, Cherries without a win in the last 19 encounters with the Cityzens.

This season, City’s defence of their Premier League crown is yet to meet their own lofty standards, Pep Guardiola’s side third behind north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

Whilst Cherries were battling Liverpool for the chance to advance in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, ultimately coming up short, Manchester City had their feet up after their early exit at the hands of Newcastle United.

Basque boss Iraola pointed out that Cherries face the rare proposition of being less-rested than their City counterparts, Guardiola’s side used to congestion owing to lengthy campaigns on all fronts.

Discussing Saturday’s game, Iraola shared: “Probably one of the toughest places to play.

“I think it's a game also where you have to be mentally very, very, very solid.

“Because sometimes you are going to try to recover, you are not going to be able to arrive on time and you have to go again and go again.

“And sometimes you have to spend a lot of time without the ball, and you have to be ready for this.

“I think it's also a week strange for them, probably because normally they are used to the opposite- they normally play midweek and probably the opposition is resting and preparing for their game.

“Now I think it's one of the few weeks in seasons, I would say, where they are waiting at home and watching (our) game against Liverpool, getting ready.”

Although defeat to Liverpool ended Cherries’ League Cup journey, the strong performance against the Reds has raised spirits further after victory over Burnley secured Iraola’s first Premier League win last weekend.

Asked if pressure had eased following a first win of the league campaign, Iraola responded: “I think obviously the Burnley game was a must win for us, but especially we've played well two games at home.

“I think with the performances, both games I think have been good with one we've lost (Liverpool) game.

“We were really close to beating Liverpool and I think it's a part of building some confidence also.

“Because I think after the hard work that the players have been putting in, we needed some results. But we still have to keep pushing.”