In the first Saturdays matchup of the EPL round 3, Bournemouth, who produced a terrible performance against relegation candidates Watford as they lost 2:0, will play host to Manchester City, who recovered from a goal down and a man down to draw at home to Everton. Can Bournemouth revitalize themselves from poor form to overcome Manchester City? Or will City’s majestic forward lineup prove to be too much for a struggling Bournemouth side?
Bournemouth vs. Manchester City
3-Way: 1: Bournemouth +1000; X: +500 Draw; 2: Manchester City -256
Spread -1.5: Bournemouth +102; Manchester City -106
Total +3: Over +112; Under +100
Bournemouth
Bournemouth was dealt their second loss out of two in front of a disappointed home crowd as they lost to Watford 2:0. The Cherries started brightly with striker Benik Afobe coming close early on, as his close-range shot was blocked from its destination. Afobe then had another chance from a tight angle saved by Gomes, but this was about as good as it got for Bournemouth as their performance descended into mediocrity and below following their early chances.
After half-time, Watford grew into the game and gave the Bournemouth defense a number of issues, until a quick counter attack saw Richarlison break the deadlock, following up from his first blocked effort to poke it in on the second attempt. Bournemouth continued to fail to threaten their opponents’ goal and their hope was destroyed by a second Watford goal, which came from a long-range Capoue volley to make it 2:0.
Last season saw the two teams draw 2:2 in both league games and Watford held their side of the bargain but Bournemouth could not reproduce two goals as they offered little going forward and a poor performance across the pitch. Two losses will be concerning for a team that finished 9th last season, especially against two teams they may have expected to get results against, West Bromwich Albion and Watford. Saying that Bournemouth also lost their first two league games last season, and still managed a top-half of the table finish.
More concern for manager Eddie Howe will be the lack of goals, with Benik Afobe, who had chances to score and last years top goal scorer for Bournemouth Joshua King, still not having found the net. With new signing Jermaine Defoe yet to make his first start, perhaps it’s time to introduce him to the starting XI to help Bournemouth kick-start their scoring duties. And that needs to happen sooner rather than later, as their next two fixtures are Manchester City at home and Arsenal away, which could see them consolidate a low position in the table
Manager Eddie Howe will be missing goal keeper Adam Federici (knee) and forward Callum Wilson (cruciate ligament rupture) through injury.
Manchester City
A 1:1 draw against a strong Everton side is no cause for alarm but considering their title ambitions and the home advantage, Manchester City may have hoped for a win. City’s first half saw a plethora of half-chances created, but the finishing required was not present. Their best chances came through a lobbed Aguero shot that was cleared off the line and a David Silva strike which hit the post after a beautiful pass from Aguero. Despite their domination, it was City’s opponents Everton who undeservedly opened the scoring, as Rooney shot through the keeper’s legs following a pass from Dominic Calvert-Lewin wide of the box, marking Rooney’s 200th Premier League goal. The Citizen’s first half worsened as a dubious second yellow card within two minutes of the first saw Kyle Walker sent for an early bath.
After the half-time whistle, once again Manchester City was wasteful in front of goal. Before their equalizer, City came close once from a drilled shot by Danilo after cutting into the box. The goal that made the game equal came from Raheem Sterling, who looked bright after coming on for Gabriel Jesus, and his efforts were eventually rewarded with a goal with a fine volleyed finish following a Danilo cross, headed down to Sterling from an Everton player. The reversal of halves was complete in the final moments of the game, as Schneiderlin received a second yellow to make it ten against ten.
With ten men against eleven for the second half, Manchester City did well to dominate the game in the second half and scored to rescue a point. Not only was it a good second half performance, but they scored a goal which was Everton’s first conceded goal in 441 minutes of football. Furthermore, it was Manchester City’s first win since failing to beat Everton in their last four attempts, luckily they have a better record against Bournemouth. Further positives include the individual performance of Raheem Sterling and goalkeeper Ederson who Pep Guardiola will be particularly pleased with as he produced 29 passes over the course of the game, with a 90% completion rate.
A running theme from last season of team’s coming to frustrate away at the Etihad continued, as Everton deployed similar defensive tactics, although it was City’s lack of conviction up front that perhaps helped the tactic of frustration appear to be working better than it should have, which may only persuade teams further to come to their home ground with the same outlay. Manchester City needs to make a statement with their next games and convincingly defeat their opponents to instill fear back into their rivals, and looking at their next fixtures they have a good chance to do so.
The only recent transfer development for Manchester City has seen midfielder Samir Nasri leave for Antalyaspor in a 3.5 million euro deal.
Manager Pep Guardiola will be without Ilkay Gundogan (cruciate ligament rupture) and Benjamin Mendy (thigh muscle strain) through injury, while Kyle Walker will be out through suspension.
Bournemouth vs. Manchester City – MATCH PREDICTION
Bournemouth has looked limp so far this season, and we will have to see a sea change from the South-coast side, in both attack and defense, if they are to overcome a Manchester City team who beat them twice last season.
Manchester City, on the other hand, has looked okay, but nothing special and Pep Guardiola will be keen to get his side in fine form and shape before they fall under the shadow of their noisy neighbors, Manchester United. Saying that there shouldn’t be much doubt of City’s ability to tear apart teams and against a struggling Bournemouth side I believe we will see the first sign of their predatorial instincts.
I would predict Manchester City to win by a clear margin and make the statement of intent they are looking for.
MY PICK: Manchester City AH -1.5 (-106)
