Bournemouth host Premier League leaders Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 3 PM (UK time). The Cherries aim to build on their recent positive form against top-tier competition, while City look to extend their unbeaten run in the league and retain their position at the top of the table.
Bournemouth enter this fixture in 11th place, buoyed by four points from their last two games, including an impressive 2-0 victory over Arsenal. They face a stern test in Manchester City, who remain unbeaten in the league and sit one point ahead of Liverpool at the top. For City, maintaining momentum is crucial, especially after their midweek EFL Cup loss to Tottenham Hotspur, where injuries have begun to test Pep Guardiola’s squad depth.
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Under Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth have shown resilience, particularly at home, where they’ve picked up seven of their 11 points this season. Their recent 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, secured by a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser from Evanilson, highlighted their never-say-die attitude. Bournemouth’s historical record against City, however, is daunting, having never won against the reigning champions in 20 league attempts, with 18 losses and two draws.
Bournemouth’s offensive capabilities have been decent, scoring 11 goals in nine matches, but they face the challenge of breaking down a City defence that has only conceded a handful of goals this season. The Cherries’ defensive organisation will be key, especially as City’s attack is spearheaded by Erling Haaland and supported by creative players like Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva.
Manchester City’s unbeaten Premier League record stands strong, but they come into this fixture off the back of their first loss of the season, a 2-1 EFL Cup defeat to Tottenham. Despite their injury crisis, which has seen key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Rodri sidelined, City’s depth and tactical flexibility under Guardiola have kept them competitive. City’s 1-0 victory over Southampton last weekend showcased their ability to grind out results, even when not at their fluid best.
Erling Haaland continues to be the focal point in attack, supported by a talented midfield, potentially featuring Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Ilkay Gundogan. Guardiola will aim to exploit Bournemouth’s defensive frailties and extend their perfect record against the Cherries, which currently stands at 14 wins from 14 Premier League meetings.
Manchester City boast a flawless record against Bournemouth in the Premier League, winning all 14 of their encounters. Their last meeting in February 2024 ended in a narrow 1-0 win for City, courtesy of a Phil Foden goal. Bournemouth’s defensive record against City has been poor, conceding 45 goals across these fixtures while scoring only seven.
Given City’s dominant historical record and current form, they are strong favourites to secure another victory, despite their injury woes. Bournemouth’s recent improvements may make them competitive, but City’s attacking power should prove too much.
Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Bournemouth 0-2 Manchester City.
Alex Scott remains sidelined with a knee injury, and Kepa Arrizabalaga and Luis Sinisterra are also out. Dango Ouattara is unlikely to feature, but Philip Billing is back in training and could be involved.
Expected Lineup:
Guardiola faces numerous injury concerns, with Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Jack Grealish among those sidelined. The fitness of Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji will be assessed before kickoff.
Expected Lineup:
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