League leaders Manchester City face a visit from Premier League newcomers Bournemouth on Saturday as we look forward to another week of Premier League action after the international break.
The Cherries have only won one of their last four away league games, while City have dropped points only once at home in the league this season. Both teams will be missing key players for this clash, with the Citizens having real struggles with injuries at the moment.
As City look to maintain pole position, Bournemouth will be keen to cause an upset.
Key Battle – Kevin De Bruyne vs Dan Gosling
The Belgian has enjoyed a fantastic start in his second spell in the Premier League, having scored three goals and assisting two in just four league appearances. With David Silva and Yaya Toure a doubt, Aguero out injured and Raheem Sterling yet to really kick start his season, De Bruyne will have huge responsibility on his shoulders and will be expected to perform to the maximum of his capabilities. Exactly what position the 24-year-old will start in is unclear, but Manuel Pellegrini will bank on him to be involved in much of City’s attacking play.
If Silva does not make the starting lineup, it is likely De Bruyne will assume the number 10 role which means it will be up to Dan Gosling in the centre of the Cherries midfield to keep the Belgian quiet. Having played as a right-back in the past, Gosling will want to showcase his defensive traits as he comes up against one of the meanest attacking teams in the league. Apart from Gosling, the entire Cherries defensive unit will have to perform at the top of their game as they look forward to only their second clean sheet of the season.
Team News
City have major injury concerns, with most of their star players struggling with injury. Aguero, Gael Clichy and Fabian Delph will all miss Saturday’s clash, while Aleksandar Kolarov, Silva and Toure are a 50/50 chance of playing.
Eddie Howe will also be missing some important players, most notably the club’s top scorer Callum Wilson. New signings Max Gradel and Tyrone Mings are long-term absentees for the Cherries while Tommy Elphick and Harry Arter also look to miss out on the trip to Manchester.
Head-to-Head
This fixture marks the first Premier League meeting between the two sides. The previous six clashes have all come in the second division. The Sky Blues have won four of those matches while the other two have been draws.
Previous Meeting
The last meeting between the two came way back in February 1999 in a goalless draw at Dean Court.
Prediction
One would be brave to bet against City claiming all three points, even though they have major injury concerns. Bournemouth have the sixth-worst defensive record in the league, having conceded 12 so far. With Wilson out, the Cherries will struggle to score against an impressive City defence. All the stats point to a comfortable home victory for the league leaders.
Manchester City 3 AFC Bournemouth 0
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