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Manchester City begin their Premier League title challenge against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
After a decade of unprecedented success with Pep Guardiola, his former assistant Enzo Maresca is now in charge of the Cityzens.
The Cherries have also changed their manager, with Liverpool-bound Andoni Iraola replaced by Marco Rose.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Manchester City vs. Bournemouth key stats
- Man City have lost just once in 18 home league games (W14, D3).
- Bournemouth are unbeaten in 18 league matches (W8, D10).
- Bournemouth have won just twice in nine Premier League openers (D3, L4).
Manchester City vs. Bournemouth preview: Cherries to leave sour taste?
Man City vs Bournemouth — Tale of the Tape
| Man City | vs | Bournemouth |
|---|---|---|
| 15th | Position | 3rd |
| 0 | Points | 0 |
| 0 | Goals For | 0 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 0 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 15th | Home / Away Rank | 3rd |
After winning an unmatched four Premier League titles in a row, Man City have now gone two seasons without the coveted trophy.
This will be a transitional season for them with Guardiola leaving as well as key names like Rodri, Bernardo Silva and John Stones.
Elliot Anderson has joined in a £116m move from Nottingham Forest, but there is a feeling that Man City must do more business between now and the end of the transfer window if they are to really challenge champions Arsenal again.
Jeremy Doku is out after coming off injured at half-time in the Cityzens' 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield, but Matheus Nunes should be fine after injuring himself in the warm-up.
As for Bournemouth, Ryan Christie's suspension has carried on from last season, while star striker Eli Junior Kroupi, who scored against Man City in May, headlines the injury list.
Unlike last summer, the Cherries have not lost too many key players, although Marcos Senesi has joined Tottenham on a free transfer.
Antonio Silva and Alvaro Rodriguez are among the names vying to make their competitive debuts for Bournemouth, as they aim to cause a shock in Manchester.
Having finished sixth last term and qualified for Europe for the first time, the Cherries will feel anything is possible, so they could take advantage of the underwhelming mood around Man City right now.
Manchester City vs. Bournemouth form guide & betting tips
| Man City | vs | Bournemouth |
|---|---|---|
N/A |
Form | N/A |
| 0 | Points | 0 |
| 15th | Form Table | 3rd |
| 0 | Goals For | 0 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 0 |
LLWWL |
Form (All Comps) | WWWDL |
Whispers predicts: Manchester City 2-2 Bournemouth
Man City are 1/2 (1.50) favourites to win, but given their poor performance in the Community Shield and Bournemouth's 18-game unbeaten league run, we are happy to back against the hosts here.
The Double chance – Draw/Bournemouth at 7/4 (2.75) looks particularly tempting, while Over 3.5 goals at 11/10 (2.10) also offers value given Bournemouth's five pre-season friendlies produced a total of 30 goals, averaging six per match!
BTTS – Yes at 3/5 (1.60) offers a safer bet, with each of the previous five H2Hs seeing both teams score.
Overall, we are predicting a 2-2 draw, which is available at 14/1 (15.00).
> BTTS – Yes at 3/5 (1.60) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 3.5 goals at 11/10 (2.10) | Likelihood: Possible
> Double chance – Draw/Bournemouth at 7/4 (2.75) | Likelihood: Possible