Game Week 10 Predictions: Manchester City to beat Bournemouth

Manchester City vs Bournemouth preview: City aim to close gap on Arsenal; Cherries' eyes upset. Key players, tactics, over 2.5 goals verdict.

Manchester City's season could be underlined by whatever they choose to do at home against Bournemouth, will they be shocked by the Cherries? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Manchester City vs. Bournemouth.

Etihad Stadium

5:30pm

Manchester City currently sits nine points off the top spot in the Premier League; however, they can cut that to six points if they beat high-flying Bournemouth at the Etihad on Sunday.

There are slim margins for errors this season with the way Arsenal is built; the Gunners clinically took out Burnley on Saturday without breaking a sweat, winning 2-0 at Turf Moor, with no goal conceded and another set-piece goal to continue their recent trend. City can’t afford to allow Arsenal much gap.

Bournemouth has an outside chance when it comes to the title conversation. The only reason no one is looking at them as a potential champion is because of their antecedents and weak depth; however, they play for each other and could remain the closest to the Gunners if they beat Manchester City on Sunday.

It’s not impossible, but it’s not something they have been able to do many times in the past. Pep Guardiola’s side always find a way past the Cherries, and it will be another opportunity for them to banish the ghosts of the Etihad, as it has now become a huge burden whenever they face City.

Recent results in the league mean the Cherries can be optimistic; they’re on an unbeaten run, and they can exploit the uncertainties in Manchester City’s defence to deliver a soccer punch, but they cannot afford to commit too many men forward; they could be badly punished by City.

Erling Haaland blanked against Aston Villa; his form is dangerous, and Bournemouth cannot overlook his prowess. The defeat to Villa is one that taught Manchester City a few lessons; they need to show they have learnt.

Who are the players to look out for on Sunday? The Bournemouth defence features three new players, but they have all settled in quickly. Adrian Truffert has been a huge factor at left-back, filling in for the departed Milos Kerkez, while Marcos Senesi and Milosavljevic have ensured Huijsen and Zabarnyi are not missed.

Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert are the attackers City must be wary of. How well will they fare against the defence of Manchester City? Andoni Iraola is never afraid to attack; we should expect goals from this game.

Haaland will be important to City, but who else should Bournemouth be wary of? The duo of Jeremy Doku and Savinho could start, and Rayan Cherki is fit, while Omar Marmoush has his days. This one has many goals in it.

Verdict: Over 2.5 goals.