Manchester City vs Bournemouth

Match preview

Manchester City return to the Etihad Stadium looking to reassert dominance over Bournemouth following a frustrating draw when these sides last met on the south coast back in May. Pep Guardiola's squad dropped valuable points in that closing stretch of the previous campaign, showing that the Cherries are increasingly capable of frustrating the division's elite.

History suggests a sterner test awaits the visitors in Manchester, however. When Bournemouth last visited this ground in November 2025, the hosts ran out comfortable 3-1 winners in a dominant display of attacking control. City have traditionally found another gear on home turf against this opposition, using the wide expanses of the Etihad Stadium to stretch stubborn defences.

Bournemouth arrive with confidence boosted by that recent stalemate, yet repeating that defensive discipline on the road remains a formidable challenge. The hosts will aim to dictate the tempo early, turning possession into territorial advantage before the visitors can settle into a defensive rhythm.