Manchester City are back in the top four after Gabriel Jesus’ late striker earned them a 2-1 win over Swansea. The summer signing has made a real impact since finally linking up with his teammates last month and City look in the groove, which is not good news for a struggling Bournemouth side.
Bournemouth are winless in six matches in all competitions and they are in slight danger of being dragged into the relegation fight if they are not careful. They are six points clear off the bottom three but need to get their act together quickly.
City have scored at least four goals in each of their last three meetings with Bournemouth and travel to the south coast with the Cherries really struggling for form. The signs suggest this match will only end one way.
Team News
Bournemouth – Simon Francis came off at half time in Bournemouth’s 6-3 defeat to Everton with a hamstring injury and isn’t expected to recover in time to feature against Manchester City on Sunday. With Charlie Daniels and Adam Smith also huge doubts Howe could have a real selection headache at the back this weekend. NaijaBet.com
Bournemouth started with a back three against Everton but Howe may scrap that formation after they went in at half-time 3-0 down before changing to a back four after the break.
Given their poor run of form, Howe may approach this game with some caution and use a flat midfield five to try and frustrate Manchester City.
Callum Wilson is ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering another serious knee injury. Reserve goalkeeper Adam Federici is also expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering knee cartilage damage.
Manchester City – Pep Guardiola has a full squad to pick from other than long-term absentee Ilkay Gundogan.
Gabriel Jesus’ brace against Swansea could mean Sergio Aguero is benched for a third game in a row, although Guardiola has hinted the pair could play together. With such an array of attacking talent, Guardiola’s problem is getting them all in the same team.
This problem extended into midfield in the last match as Guardiola fielded Fernandinho at right-back. The City manager seems to have found a winning formula with his team and he may opt against making changes on this occasion.
Vincent Kompany is back at full fitness and could be recalled to the starting XI if Guardiola looks to make changes at the back.
Match Facts
Man City have scored at least 4 goals in their last 3 matches against Bournemouth in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Man City’s last 5 games in Premier League.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Bournemouth’s last 8 games Premier League.
Man City have scored at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 10 Premier League matches.
Man City have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 3 matches against Bournemouth in all competitions.
Bournemouth have conceded at least 2 goals in their last 5 matches in Premier League.
Man City have won their last 3 matches against Bournemouth in all competitions.
Bournemouth have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 3 matches against Man City in all competitions.
Bournemouth have failed to win their last 5 matches (Premier League).
NaijaBet.com
As at this post Bournemouth has 7.85 odd to win the match on Naija and Bet while Manchester City has 1.40 has odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 5.20.
Which team will you choose to win this match?
