Manchester City vs Bournemouth: Premier League Preview

For Pep Guardiola’s side, Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace has cast a shadow over what has been a difficult campaign by their high standards. Beaten 1-0 at Wembley in a controversial contest that featured a contentious handball call and a missed penalty, City’s only silverware this season remains the Community Shield. With the domestic treble dream now well out of reach, Guardiola’s men must quickly regroup to secure Champions League qualification through a top-five Premier League finish.

They come into this midweek clash sitting sixth, one point behind Chelsea and Aston Villa with a game in hand on both, and superior goal difference. While a goalless draw with Southampton last weekend did little to help their cause, City remain in control of their European destiny and can rely on an imperious home record — they’ve won their last four Premier League matches at the Etihad and have triumphed in each of their past eight final home games of the season.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, saw their hopes of a top-seven finish mathematically dashed by a 1-0 defeat to 10-man Aston Villa on Saturday. However, Andoni Iraola’s side are still in the mix for eighth place, which may be enough for Conference League qualification depending on the outcome of European finals and league positioning of English clubs.

Despite a downturn in results — three wins in their last 13 matches — Bournemouth have been resilient on the road, losing just one of their previous 13 away fixtures in the top flight. That includes a notable 2-1 win over City at the Vitality Stadium back in November, although the reigning champions hit back with a 2-1 victory in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Head-to-head history heavily favours the hosts: City have won all seven of their previous Premier League home meetings with the Cherries, scoring 25 goals and conceding just five in the process.

In terms of team news, Guardiola may rotate his lineup following a draining week. Mateo Kovacic remains a doubt after picking up a knock prior to the cup final, joining Rodri, Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb and John Stones on the sidelines. Kevin De Bruyne is expected to feature in what could be his final home appearance for the club, while Phil Foden, Matheus Nunes, and Nico Gonzalez are in contention to return to the starting XI. Rico Lewis and James McAtee could also be recalled after being omitted from the matchday squad at Wembley.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, are without several key players. Alex Scott underwent surgery on a broken jaw sustained against Villa and will miss the remainder of the campaign. He joins Enes Unal, Ryan Christie, Dango Ouattara and Luis Sinisterra on the sidelines. Justin Kluivert is likely to take Scott’s place in midfield, while Dean Huijsen — whose impending move to Real Madrid has now been confirmed — will continue in defence. Up front, Evanilson will aim to continue his excellent away form, having netted five goals in his last five Premier League starts on the road.

With both clubs eyeing a positive end to an eventful campaign, Tuesday’s encounter at the Etihad is set to be a significant one — for European qualification, squad farewells, and perhaps a last glimpse at Guardiola’s side in transition.