Manuel Pellegrini’s side have been on a downward spiral since January and have only managed three wins in their last 10 league matches. They have also failed to score in four of those games and have not netted in three of their last four league encounters.
The Citizens somehow still find themselves in the top four. High-flying West Ham United and neighbours Manchester United are hot on their heels, only a point behind and are undoubtedly hungry to finish in a Champions League spot themselves. With the pressure mounting, City must muster up the strength to finish the season on a high if they are to stand any chance of earning a spot in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
However, the Sky Blues are still in with a chance to win this year’s Champions League which comes with an automatic qualification spot. However, considering City’s current form and the quality of the remaining opposition, winning the European Cup is farfetched, but not impossible.
City have a favourable run of fixtures between now and the end of the season, with the biggest tests coming against Chelsea, Southampton and Arsenal, with fixtures against West Brom, Newcastle, Stoke and Swansea the more winnable fixtures. Realistically, Pellegrini’s men must win at least five of their remaining eight games in the league in order to have a solid chance of retaining top-four status.
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Next up they will come up against a spirited Bournemouth at Dean Court on the weekend. Eddie Howe’s side are on a good run of form, losing just once in their last five and are currently set for a comfortable mid-table finish. The Cherries have already beaten Chelsea and Manchester United this season and will be looking for another big scalp when they welcome the out-of-sorts catalogue of stars that comprise City.
Cherries fans will remember that a then on-song City outfit strolled opo a 5-0 win in the early stages of the 2015/16 season. A hat-trick from Raheem Sterling and a brace from Wilfried Bony demolished the newly promoted side and Howe’s squad will surely be looking forward to putting in a better performance this time around.
City have a number of injuries to deal with as Joe Hart, Yaya Toure, and Nicolas Otamendi were all forced to withdraw from their respective international teams. Overall the Citizens are still missing eight first team players, including captain Vincent Kompany, but will be hoping to see Kevin De Bruyne fit again after his long lay-off. The Belgian has been missing since the start of February but is likely to return to action in the next couple of weeks.
A growing injury list and poor form might have been City’s undoing but with only eight games to go in the league, City must play to their full of their potential if they are to end Pellegrini’s reign on a high. The likes of Sergio Aguero, David Silva and co. will be entrusted to come up with the goods in what should be an exciting fixture at Dean Court.
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