Eddie Howe would love to go into the interlull on a positive note as they host Manchester City at Vitality Stadium this weekend. Having lost the first two games of the season, the Cherries remain under huge pressure not to let this slow start fall into a pattern as it could be very difficult to recover later on.
Manchester City, on the other hand, come into the game after a nervy draw against Everton last game and manager Pep Guardiola would hope to get the season on track against the struggling hosts.
Team News
Bournemouth- The Cherries will have to start with Jermain Defoe now after the experienced English striker proved his mettle in the Carabao Cup against Birmingham City in the midweek. Among others who have impressed in midweek remain centre half Tyrone Mings and winger Marc Pugh.
Skipper Simon Francis remains out with his hamstring injury and is expected to return after the international break. Same goes for winger Junior Stanislas, who is recovering from a groin injury and is expected to return next month. Striker Callum Wilson remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury.
Manchester City- Raheem Sterling has made a strong case for himself last game as he came on in the second-half to score a late equalizer against Everton. Among the absentees remain, Kyle Walker, who saw two yellow cards last game, Benjamin Mendy, who is still recovering from the thigh injury, at the back.
In the midfield, Ilkay Gundogan and Fabian Delph remain out with a knee injury and a knock respectively. Yaya Toure could hope to see some game time after Fernandinho has a possibility of playing in the right wing-back’s role following Walker’s suspension.
Predicted Lineup
Bournemouth- Begovic; Smith, Cook, Ake, Daniels; Fraser, Surman, Arter, Pugh; King, Defoe
Manchester City- Ederson; Kompany, Stones, Otamendi; Toure, Fernandinho, Sane, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Silva; Aguero
Key Players
Bournemouth- Jermain Defoe will surely be the man to watch out for Bournemouth. Howe has largely opted for the young Lys Mousset in his attack so far over the veteran Englishman, but he could opt for the 34-year-old against a stronger opponent, whose sense of positioning is far better than any other player on the field for the Cherries.
Manchester City- City is full of star players who can single handedly make a difference, but the likes of David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne stand out.
Odds
Bournemouth @ 10/1
Draw @ 5/1
Manchester City @ 3/10
