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Manchester City v Bournemouth match preview
Manchester City will look to get back on track in the Premier League when they welcome high-flying Bournemouth to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s side sit fifth in the table after their 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday, while Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth continue to impress and are second after a 2-0 home win over Nottingham Forest.
City’s loss at Villa Park marked their third league defeat of the season and left them six points behind leaders Arsenal.
Erling Haaland failed to find the net for just the second time in the league this campaign, and when he struggles, City often do too. The Norwegian has scored 65% of their league goals this season, underlining how dependent the team has become on his finishing touch.
The Cityzens did find their rhythm in Wednesday, however, coming from behind to beat Swansea City 3-1 away in the EFL Cup. That result extended their home winning streak to four games in all competitions, during which they have scored 12 goals and conceded only once.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, continue to be one of the surprise packages of the season. The South Coast club have collected 18 points from their first nine league games, their best-ever start to a Premier League campaign.
The win over Forest was Bournemouth’s 100th Premier League victory.
Manchester City v Bournemouth team news
Erling Haaland and Rodri both sat out the midweek cup tie after suffering minor knocks but returned to full training and are expected to feature on Sunday.
That means Guardiola could have a full squad available for selection. Rayan Cherki impressed against Swansea with a goal and assist, though Phil Foden is likely to return to the starting eleven for his 200th Premier League appearance, no younger player has reached that milestone for City.
For Bournemouth, the good news continues with Enes Unal returning to the squad after nine months out with an ACL injury.
Unal’s comeback leaves fellow forward Evanilson as the only minor doubt due to a calf issue, though he has trained and should travel.
Eli Junior Kroupi, 19, is expected to keep his place after scoring in three straight league matches. If he nets again, he would become just the fourth teenager to score in four consecutive Premier League games, joining Robbie Fowler, Nicolas Anelka and Francis Jeffers.
Man City v Bournemouth expected line-ups
Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Gonzalez; Silva, Reijnders, Foden, Savinho; Haaland
Bournemouth: Petrovic; Jimenez, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo; Kroupi
How to watch Manchester City v Bournemouth: TV channel, online stream
The Premier League clash between Manchester City and Bournemouth is on Sunday at 16:30 GMT (12:30 ET / 10:30 PT).
In the UK, the game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
Via Now TV, Sky Sports costs £14.99 for a day membership, £28 a month for a 12-month membership or £34.99 a month with no contract.
Sky Sports memberships include access to all 12 live Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+, which offers live streams and a dedicated channel.
US viewers can watch the match live on NBC Sports and stream it via Peacock Premium.
International fans can tune in through the official Premier League broadcast partners in their respective regions, or via Premier League Pass and FuboTV for global streaming access.
Manchester City v Bournemouth stats
- Manchester City have scored 22 goals in their first nine league games, the fourth-highest total in the division
- City have won their last four home games in all competitions, scoring 12 goals and conceding just one
- The Citizens have lost three of their opening nine Premier League matches for the first time since 2013-14 – the same season they went on to win the title
- Erling Haaland has scored 65% of City’s league goals this season, his second-highest ratio against any single opponent
- Bournemouth have collected 18 points from nine matches – their best-ever start to a Premier League season
- The Cherries are unbeaten in their last eight league matches, the longest active run in the Premier League
- Bournemouth have never beaten Manchester City in the Premier League, losing all eight of their visits to the Etihad
- Eli Junior Kroupi has scored in three consecutive games and could become the fourth teenager to score in four straight Premier League matches
Manchester City v Bournemouth prediction
Bournemouth’s confidence and attacking form make them dangerous opponents, and they have the tools to trouble City on the counterattack.
However, Guardiola’s side have been ruthless at home, and with Haaland and Rodri back in the fold, they should have enough quality to edge another high-scoring contest at the Etihad.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-2 Bournemouth
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
