Manchester City welcomes a surprisingly strong Bournemouth to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, while Pep Guardiola’s team is in an unfamiliar crisis. After several consecutive defeats, City are only fifth in the Premier League with 16 points, while Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth are sensationally second with 18 points, level on points with leaders Arsenal. Exactly one year ago, the Cherries secured a 2-1 away win at City, although the Citizens have won the two most recent encounters (2-1 in the FA Cup quarterfinals and 3-1 in May). Bournemouth has developed tactically and in terms of personnel, with intense counter-pressing and summer transfers such as Bafodé Diakité and Adrien Truffert significantly strengthening their presence. Erling Haaland is fit again and will be central to City’s plans, while the possible return of Rodri could stabilize the balance in midfield. For Bournemouth, Antoine Semenyo, with six goals, and the effective Eli Kroupi, who has scored four goals in limited playing time, are the most dangerous offensive players. City will try to open up space through possession and combinations in the half-space, while Bournemouth is likely to defend compactly and be dangerous on quick transitions. The betting market favors City in front of their home crowd, but Bournemouth’s form and confidence pose a real test.
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Date and time: November 2, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
- Competition: Premier League (Matchday 10)
Recommended tips are a home win for Manchester City, over 2.5 goals and both teams to score. City are clear favorites with odds of around 1.50, backed by strong home form, Haaland’s impressive record of 24 goals in 15 appearances and the return of Rodri. Bournemouth have been strong offensively under Iraola and have scored regularly in recent games, making an open game likely. City have won four of their last five games and have never conceded more than one goal in the second half in their last five home games. Bournemouth have scored at least one goal in four of their last five games, with Semenyo already having six league goals to her name. The Cherries have scored in around 80% of their recent games. Although there have only been over 2.5 goals in two of City’s last five games, Bournemouth’s attacking style and counter-pressing increase the likelihood of multiple goals. City have conceded in eight of their last ten home games, which supports the “both teams to score” tip. The bookmakers are offering odds of around 4.75 for a draw and 5.75 for an away win, which means Bournemouth remain the underdogs, but they could spring a surprise with their quick transitions. A home win seems a plausible main bet, combined with “both teams to score” or “over 2.5” as more attractive but riskier options.
Man City Form & Record Check
Manchester City bounced back from four consecutive defeats with a 3-1 win at Swansea in the League Cup, although it was a hard-fought victory. Swansea took an early lead through Franco, Doku equalized before the break, and Marmoush and Cherki later sealed the win. In the league, City are currently in 5th place with 16 points, level on points with Manchester United and just one point behind Sunderland. Their most recent league defeat was a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa, with Haaland hitting the inside post late on. According to Guardiola, the Norwegian is fit to play again against Bournemouth. Rodri is nearing a return from a thigh injury, although Guardiola is still unsure whether he will start. Kalvin Phillips remains suspended for the Champions League, but this does not affect the weekend game. On a positive note, City have recorded four wins and only one defeat in their last five games and have not conceded a goal in the second half. Four of the five games saw fewer than 2.5 goals scored, indicating a stabilisation in their performance. Foden described the current phase as crucial for the season.
Pep Guardiola is likely to return to his usual 4-3-3 formation after rotating heavily in the cup against Swansea. Donnarumma returns to goal after being rotated during the week. In defense, John Stones and Rúben Dias are expected to form the center-back pairing, with Nathaniel Phillips as an alternative. Kyle Walker or other options are available for the full-back positions. Lewis is expected to start at right-back and Josko Gvardiol at left-back. In midfield, Rodri’s availability is the most important personnel decision. According to Guardiola, he is fit to play after his thigh injury, but it remains to be seen whether he will start or come off the bench. Alongside him, Teun Koopmeiners or Reijnders and Bernardo Silva are likely to provide stability and creativity. In attack, Erling Haaland will once again lead the line after his collision with the post. Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku complete the attacking trio, although Guardiola has not ruled out tactical changes.
Bournemouth Form & Record Check
AFC Bournemouth are sensationally in second place in the Premier League with 18 points, just one point behind Tottenham, which is particularly remarkable given the departure of players worth around £140 million in the summer. The Cherries are unbeaten in their last five league games, with two wins and three draws. Particularly notable were the 2-0 home win against Nottingham Forest and the 3-3 draw at Crystal Palace. In these five games, there was no defeat at half-time or after 90 minutes. The defense looks more stable than expected under coach Iraola, while the team is efficient in attack and often scores after the break through intense pressing. New signings such as Diakité and Truffert have helped defensively, while Adams compensates for absences in midfield with his high level of commitment. Antoine Semenyo has surprised everyone with six goals this season, with only Haaland scoring more. The striker benefits from direct counterattacking play and has announced that he will remain at Bournemouth, with a personal goal of around 15 league goals for the season. In the long term, Evanilson is out with calf problems and Ünal with a cruciate ligament rupture, while Soler is away on international duty. Despite the summer departures, Iraola’s squad is currently performing well.
Coach Andoni Iraola is expected to field his tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 system, despite some personnel concerns in the squad. Evanilson is still out with calf problems, and his comeback date is unknown. Julio Soler is also unavailable, having been called up for international duty. An unnamed goalkeeper is expected to start between the posts. The defense consists of an unnamed right-back, two unnamed center-backs, and Adrien Truffert as the starting left-back due to Soler’s absence. In midfield, Tyler Adams and Lewis Cook form the double six. The attacking trio behind the striker consists of Marcus Tavernier on the right, Antoine Semenyo in the center as the key player with six league goals, and Alex Scott on the left. Despite his young age, 19-year-old Eli Kroupi is likely to be given preference as the striker. He has scored four goals in just 166 Premier League minutes and is considered a candidate for the starting lineup.
Man City – Bournemouth Head-to-head & statistics
Manchester City have won four of their last five games against Bournemouth, with the Cherries winning once. That 2-1 win in November 2024, exactly one year ago, shows that surprises are possible. In recent encounters, City won 3-1 in May 2025 and 2-1 in the FA Cup quarter-finals in March 2025. A notable result was the 6-1 win at the Etihad in November 2023, which underlined City’s attacking strength. City scored at least once in all five games, while Bournemouth conceded at least one goal in each. Four of the five games saw over 2.5 goals scored. Bournemouth scored in four of the five games, but only once was that enough for a win. The statistics clearly favor City, with a high probability of goals on both sides. City appear to be the more consistent and dominant team, while Bournemouth can score and occasionally surprise, but struggle to win games when City are consistently on the offensive.
