Almost a week following their dominant derby triumph, Manchester City eagerly anticipates the visit of Bournemouth to the Etihad Stadium for a thrilling Premier League encounter on Saturday afternoon.
While Manchester City aims to extend their victorious streak to four matches in all competitions, Bournemouth is determined to bounce back after their EFL Cup fourth-round exit to Liverpool earlier in the week.
Match Preview
Pep Guardiola, prior to the 191st Manchester derby, acknowledged that Manchester United is always a “dangerous” team to contend with.
However, Guardiola’s Manchester City side managed to secure a commanding 3-0 victory over Erik ten Hag’s men, concluding October on a high note.
Just two days before Halloween, the Citizens struck fear into the hearts of the Red Devils, departing Old Trafford with a well-deserved treat.
A brace from Erling Haaland and a strike from local lad Phil Foden helped the reigning champions claim bragging rights in impressive fashion and pile more misery on their bitter rivals.
Victories over Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion have put Manchester City back on track in their pursuit of a record fourth successive Premier League title.
They currently trail leaders Tottenham Hotspur by two points. Tottenham Hotspur will face London rivals Chelsea on Monday.
The Citizens eagerly await this weekend’s return to the Etihad, where they have triumphed in all 14 Premier League home matches in 2023 and have secured victory in their last 21 home games across all competitions—a Premier League-era record for an English team.
Furthermore, Manchester City has won all 12 of their Premier League home encounters with Bournemouth, boasting a 100% record—a feat unmatched by any English top-flight club against an opponent.
This includes a resounding 4-0 victory last season, setting the stage for Guardiola and his team to pursue another three points on Saturday.
Bournemouth, after a dismal run of six defeats and three draws in their first nine Premier League matches, secured their first top-flight victory of the season against Burnley.
Antoine Semenyo’s equalizer and Philip Billing’s audacious 40-yard lob led to a comeback win, elevating them to 17th place.
However, head coach Andoni Iraola remains under pressure to secure more points, as they sit just one point above the relegation zone.
Four days after defeating Burnley, Bournemouth succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool in the EFL Cup.
Their chances of returning to winning ways on Saturday appear slim, as they have failed to win any of their previous 18 league encounters with Manchester City.
Team News
Manchester City will continue to miss playmaker Kevin De Bruyne due to a long-term hamstring injury, but Manuel Akanji is available to return after serving a one-match suspension.
Guardiola may consider keeping Bernardo Silva in the center-midfield alongside Rodri, or he could move him to the right flank, potentially replacing Phil Foden.
Jeremy Doku may get the nod ahead of Jack Grealish on the left wing, while Julian Alvarez is expected to provide support in attack for Haaland, who leads the Premier League scoring charts with 11 goals in 10 games.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, is dealing with several injuries, including Lewis Cook’s suspension and players like Neto, Tyler Adams, Ryan Fredericks, and Emiliano Marcondes sidelined with injuries.
Goalkeeper Darren Randolph is doubtful due to illness.
Mark Travers, available to compete with Ionut Radu, may start between the sticks. Defensive duo Max Aarons and Lloyd Kelly are expected to return to the first XI, with Kluivert aiming to retain his place on the left flank.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City:
- Ederson;
- Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake;
- Rodri, Kovacic;
- Bernardo, Alvarez, Doku;
- Haaland
Bournemouth:
- Radu;
- Aarons, Zabarnyi, Kelly, Kerkez;
- Scott, Billing;
- Semenyo, Christie, Kluivert;
- Solanke
Prediction:
It’s challenging to bet against a comfortable home victory for Manchester City this weekend, given their outstanding form at the Etihad and impressive record against Bournemouth.
The Cherries have struggled to keep clean sheets in their last 15 Premier League matches, and they are likely to face difficulty in containing Manchester City’s prolific attack.
- Our Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Bournemouth