Bournemouth v Manchester City Match Preview

It is probably not a surprise that at the very moment Manchester City seem to be preparing to face Bournemouth, that they are in a run of improved form.

Last season Manchester City claimed a narrow 1:0 victory away Bournemouth thanks to a goal from substitute Riyad Mahrez. But that score line was not a reflection upon the game, for this match in particular made manager pep Guardiola exceptionally pleased. During the game the ebb and flow of the Manchester City possession based play restricted Bournemouth to zero goal attacks.

Of course last year Bournemouth were in a difficult run of form but so far this season they appear to have addressed some of those old concerns. The team is pretty much built around the solidity afforded by Nathan Ake at Centre back, a player in whom Manchester City were briefly interested last Summer. Up front Josh King has lead the line with some physical strength alongside Callum Wilson, who has now achieved an England cap.

During the transfer window Bournemouth secured the loan signing of Harry Wilson from Liverpool as a winger and he will no doubt be buoyed by words of encouragement and support from his Liverpool colleagues in the build up to this match.

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Bournemouth have started the season with a creditable draw against Sheffield United and then won away at Aston Villa, thanks in part to a goal from Wilson on his debut. At this moment in time, City and Bournemouth are level on points.

After the debacle of the VAR assisted draw last weekend against Tottenham Hotspur, City will be keen to push on and try to secure the three points. Yet, that open attacking intention may leave them open to another smash and grab raid – although, you would have to hope that City are good enough to see off Bournemouth.

The team selection for Guardiola will no doubt cause him some consternation in the build-up. Stones missed last week’s match thanks to a thigh injury and the estimate was 10 days recovery, ruling him out of this match too. This will leave Guardiola with the centre back pairing of Laporte and Otamendi for a second game, unless he plans to play Fernandinho there as cover. I suspect this will not be the case and the defence will be Zinchenko, Stones, Laporte and perhaps a well-earned rest for Kyle Walker, with Cancelo coming in to make his debut.

Offering protection to that back 4 will be Rodri. The real dilemma is the exact combination of attacking players to take apart Bournemouth quickly and surgically. I suspect De Bruyne will continue and will be joined by Foden or Silva alongside. That call is difficult to second guess but I would go for Foden in this game at this time.

Up front I would expect Sterling to start on the left wing alongside Bernardo on the right wing. The central striking role I would give to Jesus, who will be keen to shake the cobwebs from the drama of last week.

Whilst we are only ever a silly red card or a VAR decision from defeat, this should be a game where City can get back onto the front foot.

Next. Rodri Impresses in Opening Games. dark

Predicted Starting XI

Ederson

Cancelo, Otamendi, Laporte, Zinchenko

Rodri, De Bruyne, Foden

Sterling, Jesus, Bernardo