Frank Christian
Manchester City faces a crucial week with two matches in six days as they prepare to host Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.
The recent FA Cup final loss against Crystal Palace ensured Pep Guardiola would complete a season without a significant domestic title for the first time since the 2016/17 season.
Qualification for the UEFA Champions League is still under City’s control, despite their disappointing 0-0 draw against relegated Southampton in their last Premier League match.
Currently positioned sixth, they are level on points with seventh-place Nottingham Forest. A draw would be sufficient to elevate City to third place based on goal difference, highlighting the tight competition among the top five teams.
Bournemouth delivered City their initial Premier League defeat last November and even took an early lead in their FA Cup quarterfinal clash before City rallied for a 2-1 victory.
Man City vs. Bournemouth lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Kevin De Bruyne‘s illustrious decade at City is set to conclude this week, unless he opts to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. This match will undoubtedly mark his last appearance in the sky-blue jersey at home. Despite having played the full match at Wembley on Saturday, it’s expected the seasoned midfielder will captain the team.
Mateo Kovacic missed the FA Cup final due to Guardiola’s vague comments regarding his fitness, leaving uncertainty about his availability for this match.
Since Erling Haaland returned to the starting lineup, City has yet to score in 180 minutes, but the Norwegian sensation is anticipated to lead the attack, likely accompanied by Omar Marmoush and Jeremy Doku. Phil Foden may start on the bench as he recovers from an ankle ligament issue.
Predicted Man City lineup (4-3-3, left to right): Ederson (GK) — Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly — De Bruyne, Kovacic, Silva — Marmoush, Haaland, Doku
Injured: Rodri (ACL), Ake (foot), Stones (thigh), Bobb (hamstring), Kovacic (undisclosed, doubtful)
Suspended: None
Alex Scott is rehabbing from jaw surgery and will join Enes Unal (knee), Ryan Christie (groin), Dango Ouattara (adductor), and Luis Sinisterra (thigh) on the sidelines as manager Andoni Iraola is likely to be without these players in the closing week of the season.
Justin Kluivert is expected to feature in the starting lineup and will look to build on his impressive tally of 10 Premier League away goals this season. First-choice striker Evanilson has netted five goals in his last five away league matches, including two against City this season.
Dean Huijsen is anticipated to play in defense, even after signing a deal to join Real Madrid post-season.
Predicted Bournemouth lineup (4-2-3-1, left to right): Kepa (GK) — Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez — Cook, Adams — Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier — Evanilson
Injured: Scott (broken jaw), Unal (knee), Christie (groin), Ouattara (adductor), Sinisterra (thigh)
Suspended: None
Man City vs. Bournemouth live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to catch this Premier League clash in different regions globally:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | USA Network | Fubo, NBC Sports site/app |
| Canada | — | Fubo |
| UK | Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League | Sky GO, Now TV |
| Australia | — | Optus Sport |
| India | Star Sports Select 1 | Disney+ Hotstar, JioCinema |
