Manchester City will be the clear favorite in this game but can the Cherries pull surprises? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

 

Bournemouth vs. Manchester City

Vitality Stadium

6:30pm

The champions barely managed past Brentford in midweek after stumbling at home against Chelsea. It’s time for them to go on that monstrous run, and Bournemouth must be worried.

After Erling Haaland blanked against Chelsea, Pep Guardiola was quick to assure fans that the big Dane would score against the Bees. He didn’t disappoint, but the champions had to labor for their win; they would hope for an easier one against the Cherries.

Andoni Iraola has done a great job at Bournemouth; he was on the brink of a sack, but he turned things around and now has a top-ten finish in his sights. The Cherries are currently thirteenth on the log with a game in hand; a win here takes them above Fulham in 12^th.

No one would bat an eyelid if City battered Bournemouth, but it will be significant damage to the visitors’ title ambitions if they drop points away at Bournemouth. It’s not impossible, but you don’t want to spend your money on it.

Kevin De Bruyne was rested in midweek; he will be fresh for this one as Guardiola continues to manage his minutes after his lengthy spells on the sidelines. This could be the game where he spreads his wings to the detriment of the hosts.

Phil Foden is the heir to the De Bruyne throne; he is the chief creator of the champions alongside Bernardo Silva. Both are expected to play on Saturday but trust Guardiola to spring surprises with his interesting tinkering.

Bournemouth has most of their men available for this game; Dominic Solanke is the darling of the fans now; he will be immense if the hosts get anything from this game; Antoine Semenyo was on the score sheet last weekend; can he do it again?

Bournemouth plays attractive football; can they go all out against Manchester City? The Cherries will work their socks off; they must be accountable in possession and disciplined when they don’t have the ball; they won’t have it for most of the game.

Haaland is the target man; he will relish the opportunity to have a go at the Bournemouth defense that cannot keep a clean sheet. The Cherries have only won one of their last five games. Manchester City is the last team you want to face when you’re on a run like that.

Verdict: City to win