Manchester City vs Bournemouth Prediction & Tips
Manchester City claimed a 3-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday to keep the pressure on Premier League (PL) leaders Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. While two defeats in their last four league games (G2) leave the reigning champions two points off the top, that derby win was a stark reminder of how dangerous the team can be, as well as a statement of intent for the other teams looking to retain the title.
Having won each of their last 14 Premier League home games, Pep Guardiola’s side are a force to be reckoned with at the Etihad Stadium, where they have conceded just two goals in their last five league games. Having won 91% of the PL games they have played at home as betting favorites since the start of last season, no team outside London has beaten the ‘Cityzens here in England’s top flight since Leeds did so in April 2021.
However, Bournemouth will travel with confidence in high gear after finally picking up their first win of the season in the PL with a 2-1 victory over Burnley, a result that lifted them out of the relegation zone. A stunning 40-yard strike from Philip Billing secured what manager Andoni Iraola described as a “great win” as the ‘Cherries showed admirable determination to come out on top in a league game after falling behind on the scoreboard for the first time since beating Tottenham 3-2 in April.
Bournemouth played away from home on that last occasion, and will need all that spirit and more as they head to the blue side of Manchester, where they lost all six previous PL clashes and conceded an average of 3.67 goals per game. The south coast side are also chasing their first away win in the league since late April (E1, P5), and in their last three away defeats they conceded exactly three goals.
Players to watch: Phil Foden completed the scoring against Manchester United, but his previous four goals at club and international level helped open the scoring. Similarly, prior to his late goal against Burnley, Billing’s last three goals for Bournemouth were first-half opener.
Key Fact: In each of the games, Billing’s three goals for Bournemouth have come in the first half.
Manchester City – Bournemouth FREE TIPS
UNDER 3.5 GOALS @ 2.25
