Following a significant defeat at the Etihad, Bournemouth experienced a successful run towards the end of the previous year, claiming six victories in seven league matches up to Boxing Day. However, their form has declined in 2024, with no wins in their last six top-flight fixtures. In their recent game against Newcastle United, Bournemouth held a 2-1 lead until stoppage time, but a late equalizer from former player Matt Ritchie resulted in a 2-2 draw.
Despite the ꜱtгuggle to secure victories, Bournemouth has been consistent in scoring, finding the net in 15 of their last 16 league games. Currently sitting 13th in the Premier League table, they are eight points clear of the relegation zone, making their top-half finish challenging but avoiding immediate relegation concerns. In their upcoming match against Manchester City, Bournemouth aims to break a 19-game winless streak, the longest such run against an opponent in English Football League history.
Bournemouth continues to face ιnjᴜry challenges, with Tyler Adams, Max Aarons, Ryan Fredericks, James Hill, and Darren Randolph still unavailable. However, Romain Faivre is back after missing the last game due to illness. Philip Billing serves the final match of his suspension, likely allowing Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook to maintain their midfield positions. The number 10 role could be contested between Alex Scott and Justin Kluivert. Luis Sinisterra might replace Marcus Tavernier or Antoine Semenyo on the flanks, while Dominic Solanke is expected to lead the ɑttɑϲk.
On the Manchester City side, Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol remain sidelined due to muscle and ankle ιnjᴜries, respectively. Kevin De Bruyne’s hamstring issue will be assessed before the game. Pep Guardiola may opt for the same four-man defense after a clean sheet against Brentford, but Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis could contend for starting positions. Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes seek a recall in center-midfield, and Jeremy Doku, who had a standout performance in the reverse fixture, may replace Oscar Bobb on the left flank.
Bournemouth possible starting lineup:Neto; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kelly; Christie, Cook; Semenyo, Kluivert, Sinisterra; Solanke
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Ake; Rodri, Kovacic; Foden, Alvarez, Doku; Haaland
Bournemouth 1-3 Manchester City
Bournemouth has suffered heavy defeats of 4-0 at home against both Arsenal and Liverpool this season, and their historical ꜱtгuggles against Manchester City suggest a challenging оᴜtlook for the upcoming Saturday match. While the Cherries may believe in their ability to score against a less-than-secure Citizens defense, Pep Guardiola’s title-contending team is expected to have little difficulty in outscoring their opponents and securing three crucial points.