Man City vs Bournemouth: Preview, Odds, Team News, Lineups, Prediction as Second-Place Cherries Aim for Etihad Upset

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City hosts an in-form Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday in a fascinating Premier League clash. 

City, looking to bounce back from a league defeat to Aston Villa in their last outing, face a stern test against Andoni Iraola's high-flying Cherries, who surprisingly sit second in the table after a stellar start to the 2025-26 campaign.

Bournemouth have defied all expectations and are unbeaten in their last six matches, making this a much more compelling betting proposition than in previous years.

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Manchester City's recent form has been strong, though not perfect, with their last five competitive matches reading as WWLWW. 

Their 3-1 victory over Swansea City in the Carabao Cup during the week was a solid performance, but it was preceded by a frustrating 1-0 league defeat away to Aston Villa. That loss has added pressure on the champions to secure a convincing home victory and reassert their authority.

In stark contrast, Bournemouth are arguably the most in-form team in the entire league, arriving at the Etihad unbeaten in their last six matches. 

Their last five results read WDWWD, a run that has included impressive victories and resilient draws. 

The most glaring statistic that defines this fixture is the head-to-head record, which is completely one-sided. Manchester City have utterly dominated Bournemouth in the Premier League era, remaining unbeaten in all 18 meetings. They have won 17 of those encounters, with a single draw being the only "blemish" on their record.

However, statistics from this season tell a different story. This is not the same Bournemouth side. Andoni Iraola has his team playing with incredible belief, and they are currently undefeated in eight of their last nine Premier League matches. This run has been the foundation of their charge to second place in the table.

When Bournemouth travel, punters should expect goals. A remarkable 14 of their last 16 Premier League away matches have featured over 2.5 goals. This statistic showcases their commitment to an attacking style, regardless of the opposition, which they will almost certainly bring to the Etihad.

The all-time league history in this fixture is famously one-sided. Manchester City have never lost a Premier League match against Bournemouth, a run that spans 18 games. Of those, City have won 17 and drawn just one, representing one of the most dominant head-to-head records in the competition's history.

Furthermore, Manchester City haven't just won these games; they have often won them convincingly, particularly at the Etihad. The Citizens have scored 17 goals in their last six matches alone against the Cherries. The last time the two sides met at this venue, back in May 2025, the match ended in a comfortable 3-1 victory for the home side.

While their league record is bleak, Bournemouth did finally record their first-ever competitive victory over the Manchester giants in the Carabao Cup in November 2024. That 2-1 win, while in a different competition, will at least provide a small psychological boost and proof that their opponents are not invincible.

The pre-game odds heavily favour the former champions, despite the current league table. Manchester City are the firm favourites to win the match, with most bookmakers pricing them at or around the -204 mark. This implies a high probability of a home win, factoring in their history and home-field advantage.

For punters who believe Bournemouth's incredible run of form can continue against the toughest of odds, the price for an away victory is significant. 

A Bournemouth win is currently offered at a long +480, a price that reflects the historical difficulty of this fixture and the sheer quality of the opposition.

A draw, which would be a monumental result for the Cherries and a setback for City, is also priced generously. The odds for the match to end all square at the Etihad Stadium are available at approximately +370, offering a substantial return for those who see the in-form visitors holding the champions.

Manchester City have received a colossal boost in their attacking department ahead of this weekend's clash. 

Pep Guardiola confirmed in his press conference that talismanic striker Erling Haaland is fit and "ready" to play. The Norwegian has recovered from a knock he sustained by colliding with a post against Aston Villa.

In addition to Haaland's return, the architect of City's midfield, Rodri, is also set to make his comeback. The Spaniard has been sidelined with a hamstring issue but is expected to be part of the matchday squad. It remains to be seen if he is fit enough to start, but his presence alone is a significant lift for the team.

These returns are incredibly timely for Guardiola, who will be demanding a strong response from his side following their rare league defeat. Having his primary goalscorer and his key defensive midfielder available, even in a limited capacity, changes the entire complexion of the game and bolsters City's chances significantly.

Andoni Iraola's main concerns for the trip to Manchester are at the top end of the pitch. Striker Evanilson is considered a major doubt for the game as he faces a late fitness test on a lingering calf problem. His potential absence would be a blow to their attacking depth.

This situation likely guarantees another starting berth for 19-year-old sensation Eli Junior Kroupi. The young forward is in scintillating form, having scored in his last three consecutive Premier League matches. He will be looking to make history by becoming only the fourth teenager in the competition's history to score in four straight games.

Elsewhere, Turkish international Enes Unal is still being carefully managed as he returns from a long-term ACL injury and is unlikely to be risked from the start. Iraola is expected to stick with the core group that has performed so well, relying on the in-form trio of Marcus Tavernier, Antoine Semenyo, and Justin Kluivert to provide the attacking support for Kroupi.

Manchester City: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri, Nico, Silva, Reijnders, Foden, Doku, Haaland

Bournemouth: Petrovic; Jimenez, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo; Kroupi

For the primary betting tip on the match result, the recommended pick is a Manchester City win. While Bournemouth's form is incredible and their high league position is respected, City's home advantage, the return of key players like Haaland and Rodri, and their absolute historical dominance in this fixture make them the logical and most probable winners.

The second tip focuses on the total goals market, where Over 2.5 goals appears to be a very strong selection. This bet is heavily supported by Bournemouth's own attacking nature on the road, which has seen 14 of their last 16 away games clear this mark. When combined with City's offensive prowess at the Etihad, this match has all the ingredients for a high-scoring affair.