City face the West London side on Thursday looking to make it three-consecutive Premier League wins.
And Guardiola has made it clear his players will have to be at their best to make it nine points from a possible nine since the resumption of football.
“They have always been a real force,” he said. “With Antonio Conte they won the league and that was four years ago.
“In recent years they haven’t spent too much, but if they do it’s because they can afford it.
“If the clubs can do it they will do it. If they have done it they feel they need it. But the power was already there.
“When Abramovich took over it was uncomfortable for the Premier League and then Manchester City came and that was uncomfortable for the Premier League.”
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