Verdict: Asian Handicap Manchester City (-3)
Best odds: 2.12
Bookmaker: Zetbet
Manchester City will be looking to increase the pressure on the North London teams, Tottenham and Arsenal, with a win against a struggling Bournemouth. The match will be played on what’s expected to be a full Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City
The current champions needed to adjust their game after the summer departures of key players like Gundogan and Mahrez. Slipping already 4 times this season in all competitions is an unknown feat for Guardiola. The Citizens can forget the poor start of this campaign by regaining the top spot in the Premier League, however, at least for a couple of hours. City look to have finally found their rhythm after securing 3 wins in a row in all competitions. A difficult win at home with Brighton (2-1) followed by victory in the Champions League in Switzerland against Young Boys, was the perfect set-up before the derby game against Manchester United.
Manchester was blue last Sunday with Haaland&Co. dismantling United at Old Trafford with a strong display and a very convincing win (3-0). It was once again a one-man show in which Haaland scored a double regaining the top spot in the goalscorer race. City looked very comfortable playing against United, dominating the match in all departments. The 9-time league title holders will be looking to extend their invincibility on Etihad where no team has left with 3 points in this calendar year. Manchester City is flying high topping their Champions League group with a maximum of points after 3 games, being as well favourites to become the new leader in the Premier League.
Team News
Kevin de Bruyne is still recovering from his muscle tear injury and will not be available for this fixture. Zack Steffen, the backup goalkeeper is out for a long period after his knee surgery.
Guardiola will have all his other players fit and available to face Bournemouth. It remains to be seen which players will start since Pep likes to rotate his squad in order to keep his players fresh for the upcoming games. Haaland looks set to lead the attack and play at least one half, aiming to repeat the performance he had against Manchester United.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth started with the hand brake pulled up this season accumulating only 6 points in their 10 rounds played. The Cherries broke the ice last round securing their 1st win of the season in the Premier League, coming back from behind in front of their fans to put down Burnley (2-1). Dominic Solanke is in good form this season scoring 5 goals in all competitions. He lacks support and quality passes from his teammates which hinders his ability in front of the opposition’s goalie.
Andoni Iraola has failed to stir the ship in a better direction replacing Gary O’Neil at the helm. The Spanish manager’s team suffered a shameful defeat last round away at Everton (3-0). This was a concerning result for Bournemouth fans, considering that both teams look set to be fighting for survival this season. The Cherries are yet to get a point on City’s ground, losing last season with a hopeless 4-0. The midweek defeat at home in the EFL Cup against Liverpool is a result Bournemouth players need to get over quickly if they want to stand a chance against City.
Team News
Tyler Adams, the young and talented defensive midfielder will not be in the squad, recovering from his hamstring injury. Andoni Iraola has all his other players available for this difficult trip to Manchester.
Solanke will be looking to find the back of the net, expecting quality passes from Bournemouth’s wingers, Semanyo and Tavanier. The former displayed a very good performance in the previous round against Burnley, scoring the equalizer. Phillip Billing, the talented midfielder will have a difficult task blocking Rodri and Bernardo Silva.
Key factors to consider
- With a win, Manchester City can regain the top spot in the Premier League.
- Haaland is on fire scoring a brace at Old Trafford against Manchester United.
- Manchester City are undefeated at Etihad Stadium this calendar year.
- Bournemouth never won on the current champions’s turf.
- The Cherries won only one game this season in the Premier League.
- Bournemouth suffered a heavy defeat (4-0), in their last visit to the Etihad Stadium.
Conclusion
The current champions are flying high and have a good chance to become the new leaders of the Premier League. With 3 wins in a row, Pep Guardiola’s team is looking to extend this series of results with another win against Bournemouth. Considering Bournemouth’s weak defence and Manchester City’s attacking power I am expecting an easy win for the hosts with many goals to be scored in Stefan Radu’s net.
Verdict: Asian Handicap Manchester City (-3)
Best odds: 2.12
Bookmaker: Zetbet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
