Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola urges players to ignore the noise

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Pep Guardiola has told his Manchester City stars to ignore the noise as they head into the weekend as clear title favourites for the first time this season.

City have won seven consecutive matches, conceding just once, to take charge of the Premier League ahead of today's clash with Sheffield United.

Pundits have identified Guardiola's side as frontrunners to finish champions, talk heightening in the aftermath of Tuesday's 5-0 dismantling of West Bromwich Albion.

'The pundits are always good when we win, but only one month ago we were not even in Champions League qualification for next season and now we are the only favourites,' Guardiola said.

© Provided by Daily MailManchester City boss Pep Guardiola has urged his players to ignore the noise around them

'Just one month ago we had no chance to win the title. I am not concerned with the pundits' opinion, it is their job and I respect that a lot but it goes in one ear and out the other.

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'We will have bad moments. We have won 11 games in a row (in all competitions), that is quite exceptional in the times we are living but we are going to lose games and drop points.

'People ask if I expect to win tomorrow? I don't know. Are you going to win the league? 

'I don't know. I didn't know one month ago and I won't know in a month's time. My only concern is Sheffield United.' 

© Provided by Daily MailEx-Sheffield United defender Kyle Walker was the matchwinner against the Blades last time

Guardiola - who said he watched the Blades' shock win at Manchester United 'like a fan' - feels uneasy about Chris Wilder's side arriving at the Etihad Stadium. 

Kyle Walker's long-range winner saw City squeezed past them at Bramall Lane earlier in the season.

'This team is still alive and still have something inside,' he added. 'Sheffield is always uncomfortable for us. It is difficult to attack. I am a little bit concerned about the game.

'But we are creating chances and our football is better now. Our decision in the final third, in the middle is better. Our movements are better. It makes more sense.'