These two sides enjoy getting the ball down on the floor and playing so we should be in for an entertaining match-up on Saturday.
Manchester City were always going to improve when Pep Guardiola took over the managerial hot seat from Manuel Pellegrini this summer. However, the quick turnaround has been quite astounding and it seems that even Guardiola is somewhat surprised by his team’s good performances.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager currently has a 100% record across all competitions with his new side. One of these was of course last weekend’s Manchester Derby where they coped without prolific goalscorer Sergio Aguero. Opposing manager Jose Mourinho actually said it was more difficult to prepare for the match without Aguero as he was unsure who would take the Argentine’s place following his suspension for violent conduct.
Kelechi Iheanacho came in for the Argentina international and scored with a true poacher’s goal just inside the six yard box – taking advantage of some poor United defending.
Guardiola is once again without Aguero for this week’s match against Bournemouth but Iheanacho’s form means the manager will have little to worry about. The Nigerian scored against Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League this week (Aguero scored a hat-trick in the match) so the 19-year-old is clearly on a good roll. I would certainly back Iheanacho to score at Evens.
Even though Bournemouth are coming up against formidable opposition in Manchester City, you can bet your bottom dollar that manager Eddie Howe will not change his expansive playing style. While this may not be considered wise against the bigger sides such as City, Bournemouth do not know any other way.
The Cherries had a good win against West Bromwich Albion last weekend courtesy of a Callum Wilson goal. A great moment for the Coventry City man who has been out for about a year with a horrible cruciate ligament injury. This win against the Baggies lifted Bournemouth out of the relegation zone and will have given them a great confidence boost going into this match at the Etihad.
Overall, as previously mentioned, I think we will see a very expansive and attacking game. Of course Manchester City are the favourites and you have to back them here. However, obviously markets that are alternative to the norm must be explored. With that in mind, I have gone with ‘Manchester City to Win & Over 3.5 Goals’ at 8/5.
The Citizen’s forward line will create numerous opportunities and are bound to score a few against a Bournemouth defence who’ve kept just one clean sheet this season and who are also without an away clean sheet since February last season.
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