Premier League: Home Date With the Cherries is Just What the Sky Blues Need

Manchester City vs Bournemouth

Third-place Manchester City can go up to the Premier League standings at least for a few hours if they take care of business against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Because they’re no longer in contention for the EFL Cup trophy after being eliminated by Newcastle United last month, Manchester City are well rested ahead of this game, and their confidence is high because they’re enjoying a three-game winning streak across all competitions.

Bournemouth, on the other hand, are coming off a loss against Liverpool yesterday in the EFL Cup Round of 16. However, before that, they got their first Premier League victory of the season, a 2-1 win over Burnley, to temporarily get out of the relegation zone.

Learn more about this (mis)match with our SBOTOP preview below.

Talking Points

Haaland with a chip on his shoulder

Erling Haaland has the right to feel snubbed after missing out on the Ballon d’Or trophy on Monday, especially since he made a strong case for winning the said award.

The Manchester City striker made an immediate impact upon his arrival from Borussia Dortmund, as he scored a whopping 56 goals for club and country throughout the 2022-23 season, en route to winning the historic treble.

Because he was the best scorer in the world, he was given the Gerd Muller trophy, making him the second player to receive the award after Robert Lewandowski won it in 2021 and 2022. However, that may be considered a consolation prize in his eyes.

Haaland’s scintillating form hasn’t dipped at all this season because he still leads the Sky Blues in scoring with 13 goals and three assists. And in their last two games against Manchester United and Young Boys, the Norwegian has recorded a brace.

If he keeps this up and stays healthy, perhaps it is only a matter of time before he’ll finally bring home the Golden Ball, and he may win a couple throughout his career.

For now, Haaland is more focused on producing more positive Premier League 2023 results for the Sky Blues this season.

Who can provide the goals for Bournemouth?

While Manchester City have no problems finding the back of the net, the same can’t be said for Bournemouth, who have been goal-shy this term.

The Cherries have only recorded eight goals as of this writing, which is the second-worst mark in the Premier League, and they’ve conceded 21 already on the other side of the pitch.

It doesn’t help them either that Manchester City boast the best defence in the league, with only seven goals surrendered after the first 10 matchdays.

In their first 10 games of the 2023-24 campaign, Bournemouth have only scored two goals in a single game twice, and it’s not a coincidence that those ended in a draw against Brentford and a victory against Burnley most recently.

Dominic Solanke, David Brooks, and Antoine Semenyo have been the brightest spots for the Cherries because they have nine goals combined. Justin Kluivert just opened his account against Liverpool, and Iraola hopes that there will be more to come from the former Ajax man.

History

Manchester City have won all 12 of their Premier League matches against Bournemouth, which is their best record against a single opponent in English top-flight history.

Last season, Pep Guardiola’s side achieved a league double over the Cherries, walloping them with an aggregate tally of 8-1.

The Sky Blues have also won all 14 of their Premier League home matches so far in 2023. They have only had one longer winning streak at home in the league, winning 20 in a row between March 2011 and March 2012.

Bournemouth will aim to win consecutive Premier League games for the first time under Andoni Iraola. They haven’t done such a feat since April, when they beat relegated sides Southampton and Leeds United.

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2023 odds are partisan toward Manchester City on Saturday. The defending Premier League champions are priced at 1.11, while Bournemouth are significant 12.00 underdogs, and a draw is installed at 9.00 in the 1X2 market.

As much as we hate to admit it, Manchester City are still the best team in the league. They’re looking just as good as last year, if not better, and we won’t be surprised if they’ll be back on top sooner rather than later.

Pep Guardiola’s men should easily defeat the Cherries in another high-scoring affair, making bets like Total Goal 2-3 at 2.41, 4-6 at 2.10, and Over 3.75 at 2.09 alternative options to think about.

 

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