Bournemouth vs Manchester City – Match Preview – Premier League title favourites Manchester City travel to pointless Bournemouth looking to get back to winning ways after a difficult draw to Everton last time out.
Pep Guardiola’s side broke newly-promoted Brighton’s resilience in the opening match with a 2-0 win, but had to fight back with 10 men, following Kyle Walker’s red-card, to earn a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium in Monday’s nights clash with Everton.
After spending over £200m in the transfer market City are heavily favoured to achieve their first league title since 2014, so anything less than a return to winning ways will be a huge surprise and even at this early stage, perhaps cause for concern.
Nathan Ake will have to be at his best to stop the Man City attack Photo Credit: skysports.com
In the pre-season predictions, Bournemouth were also widely tipped to have a strong season but find themselves without a point or a goal scored coming into the third fixture. 1-0 and 2-0 losses to West Brom and Watford respectively have left Eddie Howe perplexed as to the solution to these premature problems.
The Cherries have proven themselves capable opposition during their maiden two years in the top flight, an attractive style of football has brought plaudits along the way too. Big money has been spent in the form of £20m Nathan Ake and £10m Asmir Begovic from Chelsea to rectify their issues at the other end of the pitch, however.
City should prove to be too strong for a Bournemouth side struggling to get out of the traps of late, a wealth of attacking options capable of unlocking even the meanest defence are likely to overwhelm Howe’s men.
Team News
Jermain Defoe could be in line for his first start at Bournemouth to try and get the club on the scoresheet for the first time this season.
Kyle Walker is unavailable due to his imminent suspension so Sane and Danilo could retain their full-back berths. Potential left-sided replacement Benjamin Mendy is alongside central midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on the side-lines as both battle to regain full fitness.
Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero could form a formidable strike force this season Photo Credit: skysports.com
Player to Watch
Guardiola has implemented the currently fashionable 3-5-2 in an attempt to play Gabriel Jesus alongside Sergio Aguero. That is big praise for the Brazillian striker’s impact since his signing from Palmeiras and given these opportunities you wouldn’t bet against that impact continuing and expanding. The 20-year-old has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water and his composure shines through every match – fashioning chances for himself and teammates while also consistently looking like he will have the finishing to match.
Suggested Tips:
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- Skybet Player Card Accumulator – Adam Smith and Vincent Kompany both to be carded – 12/1
