Match preview

Manchester City head into this fixture fresh from adding another trophy to their collection, having edged Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup final thanks to a decisive strike from Antoine Semenyo. Pep Guardiola’s side have already secured more silverware than Arsenal this season, and while the prospect of a domestic treble remains alive, the Premier League title race is still hanging in the balance.

Despite the cup success, City cannot afford to lose focus. They trail Arsenal by two points, and depending on the Gunners’ result beforehand, the gap could widen further. That means Guardiola’s men may have little margin for error if they are to keep pressure on the league leaders. Encouragingly, the champions arrive in strong form, unbeaten in ten matches across all competitions, winning nine of them.

Away from home, City have also looked solid, avoiding defeat in each of their last ten domestic road games and recording four clean sheets in their previous five away outings. However, there is one concern — recent visits to South Coast opposition have not gone to plan, with none of their last four Premier League trips to teams from the region ending in victory.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, are enjoying one of the most impressive runs in the division. Andoni Iraola’s side are currently on a remarkable 16-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League — the longest active run in the competition this season. While too many draws initially slowed their climb, the Cherries have recently found a winning edge, claiming victories in four of their last five matches.

Their latest success came in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Fulham, where Rayan’s brilliant goal proved decisive. Bournemouth are still in contention for a top-five finish, sitting within touching distance of Liverpool, who have played a game more. At the Vitality Stadium, they have been especially difficult to beat, suffering only two league defeats at home this season — a record bettered only by Manchester City.

The hosts also carry positive memories into this meeting, having beaten City 2-1 in the corresponding fixture last season. That remains Bournemouth’s only victory in 17 Premier League meetings with the Citizens, with City winning the other 16 encounters.

Bournemouth possible starting lineup:

Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Rayan, Kroupi, Tavernier; Evanilson

Manchester City possible starting lineup:

Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O'Reilly; Silva, Rodri; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland

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