(Football news) Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City will look to get back to winning ways after consecutive draws when they take on Bournemouth. In the reverse fixture earlier in the season, City defeated Bournemouth 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium and Pep Guardiola will hope for a similar performance in what is a must-win fixture to keep pace with leaders Arsenal. Bournemouth ended their nine game winless run with a 1-0 hard fought victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, which was their first three points since the World Cup break.
The Cherries have struggled to find the net since the year began with Marcus Tavernier’s goal last weekend being one of only three goals scored by Bournemouth in eight games, fewer than any other team. The team have scored five times in eight meetings against Manchester City but have failed to secure a win in their last 17 encounters, which is the longest winless streak in English football history. As for Manchester City, they will be disappointed after drawing 1-1 against RB Leipzig in their Champions League last 16 tie on Wednesday and will need to bounce back quickly.
In team news for Bournemouth, last weekend’s goalscorer Marcus Tavernier is unavailable due to a hamstring injury which means he will join Lewis Cook (knee), David Brooks (thigh), Lloyd Kelly (calf) and Illia Zabarnyi (ankle) in the treatment room. The likes of Jordan Zemura (knock) and Junior Stanislas (muscle) are also doubts and will be assessed before kick off. Tavernier’s absence means Jaidon Anthony will feature in the left flank while Solanke will be the central striker ahead of Kieffer Moore and Antoine Semenyo. Jack Stephens will be hoping to start his third consecutive game at centre back ahead of Chris Mepham.
As for Manchester City, the likes of John Stones (hamstring) and Aymeric Laporte (illness) will be unavailable for selection but Kevin de Bruyne could recover in time to feature. It will be interesting to see if Guardiola goes with a four man defence, similar to the one used against RB Leipzig or revert to three at the back with Bernardo Silva featuring as a makeshift left back. Jack Grealish is expected to feature in the left wing while Phil Foden will hope to get a place on the right flank at the expense of Riyad Mahrez while Erling Haaland will lead the line. A straightforward victory for Manchester City seems to be the most likely result.
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