Bournemouth vs Manchester City Preview: Cherries Look to Halt Cityzens' Juggernaut

Routine Win for Man City

Manchester City returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, thrashing Newcastle United 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night. Erling Haaland continued his remarkable goalscoring form, bagging a brace to take his tally to 27 goals in all competitions this season. Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, and Ruben Dias also got on the scoresheet as City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to eight points.

Pep Guardiola's side were in complete control throughout the contest, dominating possession and creating a plethora of chances. They were ruthless in front of goal and could have easily won by a more significant margin. Newcastle, on the other hand, were outplayed in every department and failed to register a single shot on target.

The victory was City's seventh in their last eight league games, and they will be confident of maintaining their fine form when they travel to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth on Saturday.

Bournemouth's Resurgence

Bournemouth have enjoyed a resurgence under the management of Gary O'Neil, who took over from Scott Parker in August and guided the club to safety last season. The Cherries have continued to impress this term, sitting 14th in the table with 16 points from 15 games.

They have won their last two matches, defeating Everton and Wolves, and will be hoping to cause an upset against the reigning champions. However, they will need to be at their best to get anything from the game, as City are in formidable form.

Bournemouth have a good record at home this season, winning four of their seven matches at the Vitality Stadium. They will be hoping to use their home advantage to their benefit and make things difficult for City.

Team News

Bournemouth have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game. Neto is expected to start in goal, with Adam Smith, Marcos Senesi, Lloyd Kelly, and Jordan Zemura forming the back four.

Marcus Tavernier, Lewis Cook, and Jefferson Lerma are likely to start in midfield, while Dominic Solanke and Kieffer Moore will lead the line.

Manchester City have a few injury concerns. Kyle Walker and John Stones are both doubts, while Kalvin Phillips is ruled out. Joao Cancelo is suspended.

Ruben Dias is expected to partner Nathan Ake in central defense, with Sergio Gomez and Rico Lewis playing as full-backs. Rodri will anchor the midfield, with Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, and Bernardo Silva playing ahead of him.

Erling Haaland will lead the line for City, supported by Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden.

Prediction

Manchester City are overwhelming favorites to win the game. They are in excellent form and have a far superior squad to Bournemouth.

The Cherries will need to produce a performance of their lives to get anything from the match. They will need to be organized and disciplined in defense and clinical in attack.

However, it is difficult to see past a comfortable win for City. They have too much quality and experience for Bournemouth.