Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker ruled out as City visits Bournemouth.

2024-10-27

In a classic David vs Goliath clash, Bournemouth aims to defy history and halt their formidable 20-game winless streak against high-flying Manchester City, who seek to solidify their top-table status in the Premier League at the Vitality Stadium this Saturday.

AFC Bournemouth

A stoppage-time goal from Evanilson [90’+6] helped Bournemouth remain unbeaten in two Premier League games after a 1-1 draw with red-hot Aston Villa. Before last weekend’s draw, the Cherries had alternated between a loss and a win in the last four games [LWLWD].

With the draw, Bournemouth kept 11th place with 12 points [3W, 3D, 3L]. While they remain underdogs ahead of the weekend clash against the Sky Blues, Andoni Iraola will be hoping his side can remain unbeaten after Saturday’s teatime match against the visitors.

The Cherries are currently on a 20-game winless run against Manchester City [0W, 2D, 18L]. In addition, Bournemouth have lost all 11 of their Premier League games against sides starting the day top of the table.

Nevertheless, should they pick up an unlikely win over Pep’s side, Bournemouth will achieve three successive home victories in the Premier League. They are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Evanilson, whose second goal of the season came last weekend against Villa.

The 25-year-old Brazilian will be keen to score his third goal, having contributed only 18% to Bournemouth’s goal tally so far.

Manchester City

Manchester City's unbeaten start to the season came to an end after a 2-1 loss to Spurs in the EFL Cup. Pep Guardiola expressed satisfaction with the performance of his young players, despite the team's exit from the competition.

City's upcoming trip to Bournemouth is crucial as they aim to maintain their slender one-point lead at the top of the Premier League. They remain the only side without a defeat in the league, having collected 23 points with 7 wins and 2 draws.

The team boasts an impressive 14-game winning streak against Bournemouth. Additionally, they remain unbeaten in all 28 of their Premier League matches in the current calendar year, with 23 wins and 5 draws.

In the EFL Cup match against Spurs, Erling Haaland stayed on the bench as Phil Foden led the attack. A more familiar lineup is expected to return for the Bournemouth match, with Haaland likely resuming his role as top scorer with 11 goals.

Despite recent successes, City faces some challenges with player availability. Ballon d'Or winner Rodri is out for the season, and Savinho's involvement is uncertain after an injury against Spurs. Pep also confirmed that Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker will miss upcoming games due to their own injuries.