Manchester City aim to extend their three-match winning streak and move to the top of the table when they host strugglers Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.
The treble winners overcame a brief period of lull – back-to-back defeats against Wolves and Arsenal – by producing three wins on the trot, including a resounding derby victory against Manchester United last week.
Pep Guardiola’s men are back on course to defend the title, which signals danger to the visiting Bournemouth, who have sunk to new lows this season.
The Cherries picked up their first win of the season against fellow bottom dwellers Burnley to temporarily escape the relegation zone, however, any hopes of building on it will be an enormous task with Man City on the horizon.
Manchester City vs Bournemouth Match Preview
Breaking their brief winless streak with an emphatic victory against Brighton & Hove Albion, Cityzens added Young Boys and arch-rivals Man Utd as their next casualties.
Erling Haaland has found his scoring boots back, netting five goals in all those wins, including braces against Young Boys and Man Utd.
The Norwegian striker has also reminded everyone that he can’t be written off at any moment, as he currently leads the Premier League scorers list with 11 goals.
The 23-year-old’s relentless hunt for goals could also see the Cherries fall prey to him next.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola will step into the contest against the backdrop of his future at the Vitality Stadium hanging in the balance following a horrible run of results.
However, the Spanish gaffer will look to emulate a similar fight they put against Liverpool in the EFL Cup.
The Cherries had a great chance to halt the Reds after Justin Kluivert equalised Cody Gakpo’s goal, but only to see Darwin Nunez grab the winner with a brilliant effort.
Bournemouth were lauded for their efforts, but it will be a more difficult challenge against Man City, who will try to overwhelm them and nip their hopes in the bud.
Manchester City vs Bournemouth Team News
Kevin De Bruyne continues to be a long-term absentee, but the Sky Blues have an otherwise fully fit squad.
Belgian defender Manuel Akanji is also available after serving a one-match suspension.
Pep Guardiola could dabble with the selection, and the likes of Nathan Ake and Jeremy Doku could return to the starting eleven.
On the other hand, Bournemouth will be unable to avail any of their long list of injured stars, while Darren Randolph is also said to be doubtful due to illness.
Manchester City vs Bournemouth possible lineups
Manchester City possible starting XI
Ederson, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Doku, Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland
Bournemouth possible starting XI
Ionut Radu; Max Aarons, Illia Zabarnyi, Lloyd Kelly, Milos Kerkez; Alex Scott, Philip Billing; Antoine Semenyo, Ryan Christie, Justin Kluivert; Dominic Solanke
We Say: Manchester City 5-0 Bournemouth
Both sides’ contrasting form and the positions in the table make for a David-Goliath encounter, with Man City well positioned to wreak havoc on the visitors. The Cherries haven’t won any of their last 18 outings against the Sky Blues, and the hoodoo is likely to continue.
