Manchester City vs Bournemouth preview and prediction
The Citizens got the better of West Ham United at the London Stadium last time out, while Bournemouth ran out convincing winners over Aston Villa.
Perhaps drawing more attention to his comical post-match interview in which he struggled to hold back the expletives, Erling Braut Haaland’s Premier League debut for Man City was all that Pep Guardiola wanted and more.
The prolific Norwegian won and converted a penalty in the 36th minute of the contest before latching onto a perfectly-weighted pass from Kevin De Bruyne in the second half, and he did the rest to kick off life back in England with a brace.
Haaland staked an early claim for the Golden Boot with his efforts at the London Stadium as City began the defence of their top-flight title in perfect fashion, and the opening home games of Premier League seasons are generally kind to Guardiola’s side.
Of course, Leicester City ran out 5-2 winners in City’s first Etihad fixture of 2020-21, but that represents the Citizens’ only defeat from 22 such fixtures at the start of the season, and their recent home exploits certainly make for pleasant reading.
Indeed, the reigning champions have won each of their last four Premier League games at the Etihad and have racked up at least two goals in each of their last eight, which spells optimism for Haaland and danger for Bournemouth.
Bournemouth deserve all the plaudits they receive after seeing off Aston Villa on the opening weekend, but a trip to the Etihad is a completely different kettle of fish.
Guardiola’s champions should have no problem overcoming the Cherries’ low block and defence-heavy setup, and the Cherries should be given a harsh welcome back to life with the big boys on Saturday.
Value Bet: Home win & over 1.5 goals,
Home to score more than 1 Goals
Possible correct scores:
Man City 4-0 Bournemouth
Man City 3- 1Bournemouth