Spurs have finished third and fourth in the standings over the last two seasons and also reached the Champions League final last term, where they lost to Liverpool.

And Guardiola, whose side host the Lilywhites at home on Saturday evening, has no doubts Mauricio Pochettino’s men will prove stubborn opposition this term as well.

He said: “Since I came here to England, every season they have been a contender. Always they were there, always they were tough games.”

Guardiola reported a clean bill of health for the match, with Raheem Sterling again set to lead the line against Tottenham.

The England forward hit the ground running with a hat-trick against West Ham in their season opener and the City boss knows the player is a talent.

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