Game Week 1 Predictions: Manchester City to beat Bournemouth

Man City vs Bournemouth preview: Maresca’s first league bow at the Etihad as Rose’s Cherries visit after Iraola’s exit.

Manchester City must start strongly against Bournemouth in Enzo Maresca's debut in the City dugout. Will the Cherries give him a great showing? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Manchester City vs Bournemouth

Etihad Stadium

2:00pm

Oh, what a feeling! The English Premier League has returned, and we can't help but celebrate the joy of watching quality football again.

Friday saw the champions play like true champions again. Saturday showed us that things remain largely the same for Manchester United and Tottenham. Hull City brought United fans back to planet earth with a shock 2-0 win at the MKM Stadium, while Brentford took off from where they left off last season, hammering Spurs 3-0 on day one.

On Sunday, it's the turn of Enzo Maresca and Bournemouth. The Cityzens have the chance to keep up the pace at the top or start the season chasing. The Premier League is a marathon, not a sprint, but wouldn't you rather be the leading light instead of the one chasing?

Bournemouth could struggle this season under Marco Rose. The rigors of the Europa League are expected to have a toll on their health. We expect Bournemouth to welcome more signings this summer, as they will need depth if they want to replicate last season's heroics.

The two clubs will file out under new managers on Sunday for their first league bows. Manchester City will be led by their former assistant coach, Enzo Maresca, who would hope to replicate what Pep Guardiola built in ten years. It won't be easy, but he can try.

The Cherries lost Andoni Iraola to Liverpool this summer, which means new manager Marco Rose has the huge task of keeping the fans excited while aiming for silverware at the end of the season or a return to Europe.

To be honest, it's going to be a tough season for both sides. Manchester City has lost Guardiola and a host of top players like Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nathan Aké and is expected to lose Savinho and Omar Marmoush, both being coveted by Tottenham.

As expected, following Iraola's departure, Bournemouth has lost Marcos Senesi and could also lose Alex Scott, who is a target for Manchester City. The early stage could be tricky for both sides; however, fans would love to see effort and a proven style.

Eli Junior Kroupi, the young star who took the title away from Manchester City last season, will miss this one due to injury. Rayan, Evanilson, and Justin Kluivert are expected to lead the line for the Cherries, with Scott and Lewis Cook pulling strings in the middle.

For Manchester City, it's been two years without a title. The ultimate goal for Maresca is to stabilize the team and then challenge for the title. Can Erling Haaland step up again to land the Cityzens the title? Phil Foden is expected to have a great season. Will he step up too?

Antoine Semenyo is another player to watch. The former Bournemouth star will file out against his former side again; the Ghana winger will hope to start the season on a high, even if it means hurting the side that gave him a voice in England.

Verdict: City to win.