Manchester City are set on a comeback as they head to AFC Bournemouth this Saturday, aiming to return to winning form after a disappointing Carabao Cup exit to Tottenham. With Pep Guardiola eager to see his team bounce back, the Premier League leaders will be hoping for a strong performance at the Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth, managed by Andoni Iraola, have shown mixed form in their last five league games, securing two wins, two losses, and a draw. Currently sitting 11th in the table, Iraola’s squad will be keen to make a statement against the defending champions.
Guardiola has openly stated that his focus is firmly on this clash with Bournemouth. Speaking via Manchester City’s website, he noted, “The main target is Bournemouth, Sporting, and Brighton before the international break—this is the focus.”
City’s away record is strong, with three wins out of four on the road, but they’re not taking Bournemouth lightly. Premier League legend Alan Shearer shared his own expectations, predicting City will secure the win despite the setback against Spurs. “Bournemouth got a good result at Villa and fought hard, but I’d expect Man City to take the points,” Shearer wrote for The Metro.
The last time City visited the Vitality Stadium, they edged Bournemouth 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Phil Foden. Their recent head-to-head record is largely in City’s favor, having won each of their past five encounters. However, Bournemouth have proven they can deliver surprise results, with a 2-0 win over Arsenal and draws against Aston Villa and Newcastle in recent weeks.
With City managing multiple injuries, Guardiola’s men face a tough test to maintain their top spot. And with Iraola’s squad known for their resilience, the Vitality Stadium promises to be a challenging stage for City’s comeback ambitions.
