Goals from Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane were enough to secure a 2-0 win over Sunderland when these sides last met in 2017. City have also prevailed in 24 of their last 26 top-flight matches against promoted clubs and will now aim to win a seventh successive Premier League game at the Etihad.
Sunderland pose a huge threat
Guardiola was first asked about his team’s last game against Fulham which ended 5-4 after City collapsed in defence and almost gave up a vital 3 points in the title race.
“It is forgotten, we learn hopefully but it forgotten. Right now yeah we can forget it. Of course I am concerned with some things and we try to learn why we concede the goals. I have a high consideration of Marco and Fulham for many years. I know scoring five goals there is not easy. To lose that momentum it is part of the process, they will have to accept it.”
Sunderland grabbed a draw against champions Liverpool in midweek, taking them up to 6th place. The Black Cats have been fierce against top 6 sides this season and Guardiola knows what a threat they can be.
“Only I can say from my humble opinion is they deserve to be there. To have 14 fixutres in the Premier League - they deserve it. If they tell me what they do, they do everything well so a good challenge for us.
“Different excitement we are not the same as ten years ago (when City won 2-0). The expectations that I have is different. I am not saying it is better or worse.
“If you tell me to reflect on ten years ago I don't have words to reflect on this. It has been an exceptional journey.”
Conceding goals is a big headache
In 14 league games this season, City have conceded 16 goals whilst scoring double that as Guardiola’s side continue to outscore teams. Arsenal have conceded just 7, less than half of City which Guardiola says is a huge problem.
“Two goals and four goals against Fulham. How many shots on target from Leeds three, they scored two. We have to improve, of course we have to improve. We will talk today maybe tomorrow morning. The physicality of Sunderland is impressing. I don't like to concede six goals in two games.
"We have to fix what we can do better. We have to be more solid. I saw the game and I have a feeling on what we have to do.”
Team news
Finally, Guardiola commented on a number of players ahead of the clash as the media turned to team news. The Spaniard firstly confirmed that Rodri will miss this weekend's game but could return to face Real Madrid.
"Erm no but he is getting better. So I don't know how long, in a few weeks he will be ready. Ask me in Madrid."
On Nico O'Reilly: "Yeah, maybe that is why I rotated maybe too much against Leverkusen. In second half against Fulham we could not run more. Maybe it is coming but I don't know when. He is young, he is a teenager."
On Rayan Aït-Nouri: "Rayan played in the World Cup he was really good but then Nico played well and that is the only reason. We are pleased with Rayan. But now Nico is playing really good. For my players it is difficult to understand."