Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth
The upcoming Premier League scuffle between England’s best team and one of the country’s finest overachievers can either go one of two ways.
One possible outcome of this match is the safe and predictable route. Given the quality of players and coaching available at Manchester City’s disposal, it’s very possible that Manchester City will be overrunning AFC Bournemouth at every moment.
However, Eddie Howe and the Cherries have developed a tendency to beat some of England’s biggest teams in front of their opponents’ home fans. They’ve done it against Chelsea and Liverpool, and it wouldn’t surprise a lot of Bournemouth supporters if they manage to beat the Sky Blues as well.
Will the Cherries be able to upset the Sky Blues at the Etihad? Or will City’s unbeaten run at the top of the English top flight continue with a dominating display over their guests?
Talking Points
Cherries look to break the rut
Bournemouth were once battling it out with the best of the league as they started the season with a bang. They were once at the sixth place as one of the feel-good stories of the season, even drawing against one of their biggest rivals in Southampton.
However, things have gone a bit south since the South Coast derby. They have suffered consecutive defeats against tough top-flight clubs. Two of their last three losses were from top-six sides in Manchester United and Arsenal.
However, it is important to point out that their losses were all close contests where the Cherries managed to put up a better fight than the rest of the league’s minnows. If there’s anyone among the smaller sides of the Premier League who could probably produce a result against the Sky Blues, it would be the Cherries.
In order for the Cherries to triumph at the Etihad, they need stellar performances from the team. Callum Wilson, who enjoyed his stint for the Three Lions this month, will be looked upon to provide more goals against a resolute City backline. Jefferson Lerma must stop scoring in his own goal and lead the defence in stopping a potent Manchester City squad.
If Eddie Howe’s men can at least stay competitive in the first half of the game, then there’s a good chance of the Cherries pulling off one of their signature upsets against the league leaders.
This City won’t likely fall
As much as the Bournemouth supporters would hope for a giant-killing, the Manchester City vs Bournemouth odds are tipped towards the Sky Blues for a good reason.
Manchester City are one of the only two sides that are yet to lose a football game in the 2018/19 season, and the team’s knack in finding goals has already put them miles ahead of their closest competition in Liverpool and Chelsea. City’s love for goals is evident by the 4-0 pounding they gave West Ham last time out.
The more we look at the names Pep Guardiola has at his disposal, the more we understand just how stacked of a team he has. Raheem Sterling and David Silva are shining in the midfield. Sergio Aguero is still scoring goals like nobody’s business. Nicolas Otamendi and Aymeric Laporte make for a solid wall.
We’re not even touching on the fact that a good number of Pep’s best players are on the injury list as well. Should players like Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne be fully fit to play in this game, there should be no way for Manchester City to lose.
This game is definitely one for City to concede. They have better players and a more successful approach to football. However, they would be fooling themselves if they played the Cherries half-heartedly.
History
Besides the string of consecutive 2-1 losses Bournemouth have endured recently, the Cherries have had a successful season so far. Their Premier League 2018 results have seen them stay at the top half of the table for much of the season, and that feat’s due to Howe’s tactical brilliance and his players’ skill translating on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have been enjoying a fine time on the pitch, and the only time they have lost a football game this season was against Olympique Lyonnais in the Champions League. I don’t expect things to change for City any time soon.
When it comes to the head-to-heads, City have the definite lead with their seven triumphs in eight games over the Cherries. The only time Bournemouth managed to draw over the Sky Blues was during their first League One meeting in 1999.
Betting Tip
 |
 |
Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth | AFC Bournemouth Asian Handicap +2.50 @ 2.07 |
| December 01, 23:00 (GMT+8) |
The SBOBET Premier League market gave Manchester City a heavy handicap for a reason. They have not stopped scoring and winning ever since the season started, and Bournemouth are the last club in the Premier League that’s expected to stop them.
However, I wouldn’t immediately call this one a blowout by Manchester City. Bournemouth have proven that they can mount a fierce resistance if they put their mind into it. They’ve also shown that they can score on top-six XIs without any problem. Another 2-1 for the Cherries is not a ridiculous expectation to have.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
|
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
