Premier League news: Manchester City vs Bournemouth – Five key battles and score prediction
FA Cup finalists and the 2023/24 Premier League winners Manchester City welcome Bournemouth to the Etihad on Tuesday night for their final home game of the 24/25 season.
With Champions League places very much up for grabs, Pep Guardiola’s charges will be licking their wounds in the aftermath of their FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace, while Bournemouth and head coach Andoni Iraola will be looking to secure a top 10 Premier League finish.
Sports News Blitz writer Tom Nichols takes a look at five key battles which could prove decisive in Tuesday night’s game alongside his score prediction.
Erling Haaland vs Dean Huijsen
Erling Haaland hasn’t scored since both sides’ previous encounter in late March, when City beat the Cherries 2-1 to progress to the FA Cup Semi-Final.
Haaland, City’s usual penalty taker strangely passed up the opportunity to take a penalty in the FA Cup final, with Omar Marmoush taking on the responsibility instead - who missed, ultimately.
The 30-goal season striker will prove to be a tough challenge for Cherries’ young star centre-back Dean Huijsen.
Huijsen has completed a high-profile £50 million transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid, after just making a staggering move to the Cherries last season, much to the dismay of Juventus fans.
However, the Spaniard will be eager to continue his great form for Bournemouth this season ahead of their last two games, hoping to help his team secure a deserved top 10 finish.
Huijsen has been one of the best young players in the Premier League this season.
Alongside his impressive defensive abilities, he has chipped in with some important goals, including a winner against Tottenham and an equaliser away at the Emirates.
The centre-back described Erling Haaland as the “toughest opponent” he has ever faced.
It will certainly be a clash to look forward to.
Antoine Semenyo vs Rico Lewis
Antoine Semenyo provides a constant threat on the left-hand side for the Cherries, having formed quite the offensive duo alongside left back Milos Kerkez.
Semenyo has scored 11 goals and provided six assists in all competitions this season.
The winger scored in Bournemouth’s 2-1 win over City back in November.
The Ghanaian international will be looking to double that tally against Guardiola’s men, edging Bournemouth closer to an optimistic end to the season.
READ MORE: Man Utd news: ‘They’re not really good at anything’ – Roy Keane savages poor Red Devils
The right back position has been heavily rotated at Man City recently, with Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji and Matheus Nunes all features of the position this season.
Lewis seems to be the preferred choice at the position, despite the heavy rotation.
The 20-year-old has made 43 appearances in all competitions this season, chipping in with seven goal contributions.
Lewis has some impressive defensive numbers - he is only dribbled past on an average of 0.3 times per game and has recorded 3.4 recoveries per game.
Milos Kerkez vs Savinho
Kerkez has had an outstanding season for the Cherries.
The defender has established himself as one of the best fullbacks in the division. Kerkez has been the subject of interest recently from Liverpool and it seems as though a deal is likely to happen.
The Hungarian is known for his ability to bomb down the wing, overlapping Antoine Semenyo to provide early crosses into the box.
He has contributed five assists so far this season, along with two goals.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: FA Cup news: Oliver Glasner hails ‘special’ Crystal Palace title win over Manchester City
Primarily an attacking fullback, Kerkez is also very strong defensively. He averages 1.4 tackles per game, 4.4 recoveries per game and he is only dribbled past 0.4 times per game.
After joining from Girona, another team involved in the City Football Group, Savinho has had a mixed first season in England. The winger has only scored two goals in 44 games; however, he has contributed 10 assists.
Despite his poor goal record, Savinho still provides a dangerous threat to opposition defences. The Brazilian has the ability to dance around players like they aren’t there, averaging 1.9 successful dribbles per game.
Evanilson vs Ruben Dias
Evanilson arrived at Bournemouth in the summer transfer window from Porto for a fee of £40 million.
The striker has gone on to score 12 goals in his first season in England, helping Bournemouth to their highest Premier League points total.
The Brazilian has been in fine form of late, scoring four and providing one assist in his last seven Premier League games, however he did receive a red card against Manchester United in that period.
The battle between Evanilson and City enforcer Ruben Dias will be a physical one. Evanilson averages 3.9 successful duels per game and he draws 1.7 fouls per game.
Andoni Iraola vs Pep Guardiola
Iraola will be out for revenge against his fellow Spaniard after his side were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City in the Quarter-Final.
The Cherries manager has enjoyed a successful stint in his first season in England, after leading the Cherries to their highest ever Premier League points total, with an outside chance of European qualification.
A win for Iraola’s side could be massive for their European dreams, with the Cherries locking horns with Leicester City in their final game.
Pep Guardiola has suffered his worst season since arriving in England in 2016.
City have failed to win a trophy for the first time since Guardiola has been in charge.
However, with still Champions League places to play for, the iconic, pioneering manager will attempt to salvage a performance level from his team that we all typically associate with a Guardiola side.
If Arsenal suffer defeat at the hands of bottom-of-the-table Southampton in their final game, and City triumph over Bournemouth tonight and Fulham on Sunday, they will finish level on points with Arteta’s men.
Not bad for a ‘disappointing season’.
Score prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Bournemouth
READ NEXT: Five takeaways from the final Bundesliga matchday
