Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth on 4 November 2023 in the 2023/24 Premier League reads like an exciting drama series filler episode. With contrasting histories and ambitions, both teams will meet at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester as City continues their charge for a fourth-straight Premier League title. At the same time, Brentford look to retain their top-flight status.
Andoni Iraola needs to start the season better. He is currently on the chopping block as any more poor results could lead to him being out of work. However, the Spaniard has shown that he can manage a team, which has given the Cherries fans something to look up to.
Tactically, this fixture offers an intriguing clash of styles. Manchester City’s fluid and possession-oriented game, which they combine with fast breaks thanks to the pace and power of Erling Haaland, is well known. Bournemouth are looking to relocate the same style but have been unable to make it work. For this game, they could employ a more defensive tactic: sit back and attempt to hurt their hosts on the counter.
The match holds particular significance for the Vitality Stadium outfit. Bournemouth can showcase their grit and determination while finally leaving the relegation zone. The win will also help them gain a fear factor, just like Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers did when they beat the reigning Premier League champions in back-to-back games.
A lot is at stake for both teams, whose fans will be swarming in and around the Etihad Stadium on 4 November 2023 as they hope to support their team to victory. Read on for match ticket information, team news and predictions.
Match Tickets
Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth will be played at the Etihad Stadium on 4 November 2023 at 4 PM UTC. The tickets for the game will go live anytime from now on both clubs’ websites.
Fans looking to buy Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth tickets will need to sign up on the waitlists provided by the clubs in question ahead of the matchday 11 tie. Keys can also be sourced on ticket reselling platforms like Seastnet.com if fans need to source them from the official channels of either club.
Fans can catch the 2023/24 Premier League fixture on streaming. Sky Sports streaming (via the Sky Sports app), TNT Sports (via the Discovery+ app) or CBS Sports Golazo (via the Paramount+ app) are good options for fans to catch the game. A subscription to these apps and channels is needed to access the game.
Team news
Manchester City continue to make their path in the 2023/24 Premier League season without Kevin De Bruyne. The midfielder is expected back in December at the earliest. John Stones is also out of commission, but the team’s defence is in good hands without the Englishman.
AFC Bournemouth have a long list of absent players, including Ryan Fredericks [calf problem], Alex Scott [knee injury], Lloyd Kelly [unspecified], Chris Mepham [unspecified], Emiliano Marcondes [unspecified], Tyler Adams [hamstring setback]. Alex Scott is the only player on this list who could return for the Manchester City trip. However, it is still being determined that he will be thrown into such a demanding game immediately after his recovery from injury.
Both teams have no players suspended for the game.
Lineups
Manchester City have a UEFA Champions League game in midweek against Swiss Super League side BSC Young Boys, so Pep Guardiola will likely rotate against AFC Bournemouth. Ederson will start in goal as expected, and Jeremy Doku will get a run on the wings. Manuel Akanji, as well as young sensation Rico Lewis, could return to the starting XI. Guardiola may not risk playing both Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, which means that Jack Grealish could also return to the starting XI.
Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Lewis; Kovacic, Rodri, Silva; Grealish, Haaland, Foden.
Andoni Iraola will not pull his punches with the AFC Bournemouth for the Manchester City game. Neto will start in goal, with Max Aarons, Ilya Zabarnyi, Marcos Senesi and Milos Kerkez in defence. Antoine Semenyo could come in for Justin Kluivert in attack because the Ghana international is more inspired. Dominic Solanke remains the lone striker up front, with Phil Billing playing behind him in the 8/10 role.
AFC Bournemouth: Neto; Aarons, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Christie, Cook; Tavernier, Billing, Semenyo; Solanke.
Prediction
Nothing suggests that Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth will end any other way but in a win for City. Historically, both teams need to be on par with each other. City are also the game hosts, and Bournemouth have never won at the Etihad in the Premier League. Guardiola is Lao chasing the top spot, which means he will be fiercer than ever, meaning that all Iraola can do is hope for a miracle. He can, however, prevent a bloodbath with proper in-game management. Football could also provide another story, like when Wolverhampton Wanderers beat City on matchday 7. The logical outcome, however, is a win for the defending champions of the Premier League, Manchester City.
Manchester City 3 – 0 AFC Bournemouth.