A wounded Manchester City will look to rediscover their rhythm when they welcome an in-form Bournemouth to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s men fell 1-0 to Aston Villa last weekend, as Softfootball reported. The result left them six points behind leaders Arsenal heading into Matchweek 10. However, City will draw confidence from their dominant home record, having lost only once in their last ten Premier League matches at the Etihad.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, are enjoying a remarkable start to the season. The Cherries sit second after a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest extended their unbeaten run to eight league games. Softfootball highlighted Guardiola’s praise for Antoine Semenyo’s impact, as Bournemouth continue to impress under Andoni Iraola with an attacking style that has surprised many.
Team News
Manchester City received a major boost ahead of the fixture, as both Erling Haaland and Rodri have been passed fit. Guardiola confirmed in the press conference shared on the club’s official X account that the pair, who were injury doubts earlier in the week, will feature in the squad. Haaland leads the Golden Boot race with 11 goals this season, while Rodri’s return adds balance to midfield.
Possible Lineups
Man City (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Gonzalez; Silva, Reijnders, Foden, Savinho; Haaland.
Bournemouth (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Jimenez, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo; Kroupi.
SoftFootball’s Prediction
City will be desperate to respond, and with Haaland and Rodri back, they should have enough quality to edge a spirited Bournemouth. The visitors will pose a threat, but City’s home form is difficult to ignore.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Bournemouth.
