Premier League action resumes with another fascinating round of fixtures, as Bournemouth hosts Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
The Sky Blues are set to visit Cherry’s den for a crucial clash, aiming to narrow the four-point gap with first-place Liverpool by securing a victory in this challenging away game. Currently in 13th place on the Premier League points table, the hosts have accumulated 28 points from 24 matches this season and are seeking their first win since the turn of the year.
Meanwhile, the reigning champions have been in top-notch form recently, though they faced a draw against Chelsea last weekend, followed by a narrow 1-0 win over Brentford. This has brought their tally to 56 points from 25 matches so far this season. Subsequently, they stand second in the table, one step behind Liverpool and a point ahead of Arsenal.
The visitors are eager to maintain their unbeaten streak and secure another victory against the hosts, who have never bested the Citizens. In their 20 encounters, City has won 18, with the remaining two ending in draws. The Cherries are aiming for their first-ever triumph over the league titans.
When and Where?
Date: Saturday, 24th February, 2024.
Time: 5.30 pm BST
Venue: Vitality Stadium
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Jarred Gillett.
Assistants: Darren Cann & Derek Eaton.
Fourth official: Simon Hooper.
VAR: Andy Madley.
Assistant VAR: Simon Long.
TEAM NEWS
The home side are without several key players due to injuries: Ryan Fredericks (calf), Max Aarons and Tyler Adams (hamstring), and James Hill (ankle). Additionally, Philip Billing will also miss the game, serving the final match of his three-match suspension.
The guests will be traveling without two of their key players, Jack Grealish (muscle) and Josko Gvardiol (ankle), who are both dealing with injuries. They are currently undergoing treatment and will be excluded from the squad list at Vitality Stadium.
MATCH ANALYSIS
Bournemouth boss, Andoni Iraola is expected to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation to challenge the dominant Citizens. The lineup is anticipated to remain unchanged, with Skipper Neto guarding the goal. In defense, the center-back duo of Illia Zabarnyi and Marcos Senesi will be flanked by full-backs Adam Smith and Lloyd Kelly.
In midfield, Lewis Cook and Ryan Christie are set to partner up to control the central areas of the pitch, with Antoine Semenyo and Marcus Tavernier operating as wide midfielders. Alex Scott is likely to step in for Kluivert in the central attacking midfield role, bringing creativity to the team. Up front, Dominic Solanke will lead the attack as the lone striker
Pep Guardiola, Iraola’s Spanish counterpart, is anticipated to stick with his recently favored 4-1-4-1 formation. Ederson is set to be the shot-stopper. In defense, Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake are expected to handle the fullback roles, providing both attacking support and defensive solidity alongside the center-back partnership of John Stones and Ruben Dias.
Rodri, considered one of the best in his position, will anchor the midfield as the solitary holding midfielder, linking the defense with the midfield. The midfield quartet is expected to see Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne return to the starting eleven, joined by Julian Alvarez and Doku on the left flank. Up front, Erling Haaland is poised to lead the line as the sole striker.
KEY PLAYERS
Dominic Solanke
The 26-year-old target man has been a key player for the Cherries this campaign, boasting a thrilling touch with contributions of four goals in his last four league appearances. Most recently, the Englishmen added a goal and an assist in the previous outing against Newcastle United, extending his tally to 16 goals and four assists in a total of 28 appearances so far this season.
Erling Haaland
The Norwegian center-forward, still in pursuit of his peak form following his return from injury, netted the winning goal in his last match, a boost that surely enhanced his confidence. He poses a significant threat to the hosts’ defense, aiming to add more to his tally. So far this term, he has scored 22 goals and provided 6 assists in 28 games.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Bournemouth’s predicted lineup: Neto; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kelly; Cook, Christie; Semenyo; Scott, Tavernier; Solanke
Manchester City’s predicted lineup: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri; Foden, De Bruyne, Alvarez, Doku; Haaland