Manchester City is back in action for the first time since having the European ban lifted by UEFA. The Citizens will hold their first match at the Etihad Stadium against struggling side Bournemouth. The match schedules for Wednesday with kickoff at 20:00 GMT.
Manchester City will play in the Champions League next season after the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the club’s two-year ban from European football. The exciting news was released early Monday with the news causing excitement among the fans.
Pep Guardiola will welcome the exciting news as they welcome side Bournemouth home. He reiterated his confidence for the club to overcome their fate. It caused a stir among the players at the club.
The declaration pushes down the fate of players such as Sterling and De Bruyne at the club. The starts were open to moving on to greener pastures in case the ban was upheld. However, it spells a different case with the reinstatement.
Bournemouth is struggling to fight off relegation with counterparts Norwich City already relegated. The side is currently 18th on the table with 31 points that are one point ahead of side Aston Villa. The side needs the three points at Etihad to come on edge with side Watford with 34 points.
Manchester City vs. Bournemouth Head to Head
Both sides have nine games against each other with Manchester City taking all wins. Bournemouth has never won a game against the Citizens. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Manchester City
Brighton 0-5 Man City
Manchester City 5-0 Newcastle United
Southampton 1-0 Manchester City
Manchester City 4-0 Liverpool
Chelsea 2-1 Man City
Bournemouth
Bournemouth 4-1 Leicester City
Bournemouth 0-0 Tottenham
Man United 5-2 Bournemouth
Bournemouth 1-4 Newcastle United
Wolves 1-0 Bournemouth
Manchester City Team News
After netting a hattrick in their last outing, Pep Guardiola looks on giving the Englishman a breather along with Riyahd Mahrez and De Bruyne. Cancelo is recovering from a knock and most likely won’t be risked. This gives space for right-back Kyle Walker starting lineup. The future of defender Garcia is unclear with the youngster looking to re-unite with side Barcelona.
Bournemouth Team News
Longtime admirer Pep will be keeping an eye of defender Nathan AKe who has fallen in his radar. Ake has had an impressive season despite their position on the table. Netting a brace in their last outing, forward Solanke will be looking to continue with the form.
Prediction and Odds
Manchester City is likely to look for a goal-fest given their recent form, and Bournemouth has not registered a win against the side.
Manchester City Win
Goals Over 3.5
First to Score: Home
