Howe eyeing historic win

Howe's side have been beaten 4-0, 4-0 and 5-1 on their last three visitis to the Etihad and with City in imperious for once again this season there appears to be no reason for that to change at the weekend.

However, speaking ahead of the game, Howe insited that previous results mean nothing and that his side are now ready to bounce back with a big performance.

"The record doesn't sound great but I think that is for most teams going to Manchester City in recent seasons," he explained.

"They are the team that we have struggled against the most, along with Tottenham, they have been really difficult for us.

"Every time we have gone there we have really grown and learnt from the experience although they have been painful. They have been useful exercises for us during the season and I think we have come back and been a better team for it.

"I don't think it is damage limitation for us, it is an opportunity for us to create a historic moment for the football club and to do our best in the game. I'd rather see it as a positive challenge rather than a negative one."

Meanwhile, the Bournemouth boss also discussed the future of midfielder Harry Arter after he revealed he would be interested in a permanent move to Cardiff City, where his is currently on a season-long loan.

"It's a very difficult one [on a permanent move for Arter] to comment on from my perspective," Howe revealed.

"Harry is with Cardiff for the season, he no doubt feels a Cardiff player and he's had to ingrain himself for what they doing for this season.

"Both physically and mentally, we value him greatly from our side, so let's see what happens at the end of the season. "