Manchester City v Bournemouth (02/11/2025)

A wounded Manchester City will be looking to bounce back when they host a Bournemouth side who have enjoyed a superb start to the season.

Match News and Current Form

Manchester City succumbed to a 1-0 defeat away at Aston Villa last weekend, marking the first time since the 2013/14 campaign that they have lost three of their first nine games. City went on to win the Premier League title that season, and Pep Guardiola’s side will be eager to ensure the six-point gap between themselves and Arsenal at the summit doesn’t widen after matchweek ten, or replicating that feat will become an even taller order. Their form at the Etihad should inspire confidence given that City have lost only one of their ten previous home league games (W8, D1), scoring at least twice in eight of those ten matches.

There must be an ecstatic mood around Bournemouth after a stunning start to the campaign which left them second and four points behind the table-topping Gunners at the end of last round. A 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend extended the Cherries' unbeaten league run to eight games (W5, D3), the longest of any current English top-flight side. They have a nagging tendency to leak goals on the road though, with Andoni Iraola’s side conceding nine away Premier League goals to date this season - a total exceeded by Brighton (ten), Fulham (11), and Burnley (15) heading into the round - yet that hasn't stopped them picking points up (W1, D2, L1).  

Head-to-Head History

The Cherries have lost 15 of their 16 overall Premier League clashes against City. This hasn't been a favourable trip for Bournemouth, who have conceded 2+ goals in all 12 of their historical away H2Hs (D1, L11). 

Hot Stats and Streaks

Six of City’s last eight Premier League wins have been accompanied by a clean sheet.

City have drawn only two of their previous 20 top-flight games (W14, L4).

Bournemouth’s six Premier League goals scored from outside the box this season is more than any other side.

Nine of Bournemouth’s last 11 Premier League away games saw both teams score.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

Phil Foden could make his 200th Premier League appearance at the weekend, and has eight goal contributions in eight previous appearances against Bournemouth (G5, A3). Eli Kroupi netted in his last three league outings for the Cherries and has been on the losing side just once in 21 previous goalscoring appearances (W17, D3). 

Manchester City will make a late call over Rodri, while Erling Haaland is a doubt after picking up a knock last weekend. Evanilson missed Bournemouth’s last two games with a calf problem.

For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.

Betting Analysis

The history of this fixture makes it hard not to back anything other than a home victory, so backing Manchester City to win and over 2.5 total goals could be a good bet.

Author: James Hilsum