Manchester City v Bournemouth
Having advanced to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup – where they will surprisingly take on Bristol City rather than neighbours Manchester United – this weekend sees Manchester City return to Premier League action. Already 11 points clear of their closest rival and enjoying a record-breaking 16 match winning run, Pep Guardiola’s men will certainly be seeking to continue their imperious current form.
For the visitors, this encounter presents a daunting challenge, particularly as they sit just one point above the relegation places. Bournemouth have not won on any of their last seven outings in all competitions but will take heart from the fact they were somewhat unfortunate to lose to City at Dean Court back in August.
It took a 96th minute winner from Raheem Sterling to secure the points there, but that was long before the team truly clicked into top gear. They now seem capable of doing so every time they step on the pitch, steam rolling opponents both domestically and in the Champions League with equal aplomb, Guardiola’s tactical approach working perfectly no matter which players he selects.
His 4-3-3 formation allows City to dominate possession, to press their opponents and to dominate the middle of the field, while also providing room for his wingers to hit at speed on the counter attack. It is a devastating blend of weapons that have made the club overwhelming favourites to lift the title.
For the visitors, the fixture list has been hugely unkind, pitting them against Liverpool and Chelsea before this clash, which might well be the toughest of all. In the midst of a tough run, taking on a City side who lead the division in terms of possession (65.5%), pass completion rate (88.5%) and who have scored 17 more goals than any other team in the league is an overwhelming task.
Yet Eddie Howe has proven himself capable of gaining a result in surprising circumstances and their 5-4-1 framework should match up well against City’s system. Bournemouth have struggled to limit opponents scoring chances this term, but have scrambled well in defence with only eight sides conceding fewer goals in the Premier League thus far. They have floundered at the other end however, just three teams netting fewer than their tally of 15 after 18 rounds of action.
Seeing Jermaine Defoe leave Wednesday night’s match with an injury is unlikely to help matters there, while the Cherries also have problems at the back as left back Brad Smith and central defender Tyrone Mings appear set to miss out due to injuries. City will continue to be without long term absentees John Stones and Benjamin Mendy, while captain Vincent Kompany could once again miss out.
The only other factor concerns David Silva. The Spanish midfielder has been omitted in recent days as he deals with what the club has labelled “family issues” and it remains to be seen whether he will return to action here.
Manchester City (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Mangala, Delph; Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Gundogan; Sterling, Aguero Sane
Bournemouth (4-2-3-1): Begovic; Smith, Francis, Steve Cook, Ake, Fraser; Arter, Surman, Gosling, Ibe; Wilson
