Bournemouth vs Manchester City: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

This matchup between Bournemouth and Manchester City represents a tale of two stories, as one overachieving team will collide with a disappointing one. The Cherries have been turning heads with their play all season long under the tutelage of Andoni Iraola and aim to keep their dreamy season alive by reaching the tournament’s semifinals.

Meanwhile, Manchester City have had a subpar campaign and didn’t reach any objectives they had set themselves to accomplish at the start of the 2024-25 season. The FA Cup represents the lone chance for Pep Guardiola to win a trophy with the Citizens.

Andoni Iraola Looking for Another Upset

There has been a lot of talk regarding Iraola’s potential departure from Bournemouth after the 2024/25 season, and with good reason, as he has the Cherries flying high and facing a realistic possibility of playing European football in 2024/25. Winning the FA Cup would secure them a UEFA Europa League berth for 2025/26, and they could have a good chance to do so.

The Cherries know a thing or two about pulling an upset this season. Undoubtedly, the best example is that they won by a 2-1 score the last time these two teams faced each other, as Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson were on target during that victory in November last year.

Bournemouth Injury & Suspension News

The Cherries might get some reinforcements back for this game, with Julian Araujo (hamstring) and Marcos Senesi (quadriceps) being game-time calls for this clash. Adam Smith (strain), Luis Sinisterra (hamstring) and Enes Unal (knee) are out, but it seems Bournemouth won’t be missing any of the players that have been key throughout the campaign.

Last Chance for Pep Guardiola This Season

Calling the 2024-25 season “disappointing” would be a massive understatement for Manchester City. Underperforming players, injuries to key pieces and a squad overhaul during the January transfer window have led to Pep Guardiola being in an odd position, at least for his standards. After all, it’s late March and the Citizens have no chance to fight for the Premier League title.

Thus, this is probably the biggest match of the season for City. Getting eliminated here would mean that Guardiola would end up trophyless at the Etihad Stadium, and that might be the start of a potential rebuild for the club, especially with several veterans being tipped to leave the club in the summer.

Manchester City Injury & Suspension News

Oscar Bobb (leg) and Ederson (abdomen) have been spotted in training, though it’s uncertain if either will be fit for this clash, and not having Ederson would force Guardiola to start Stefan Ortega between the posts. The defensive issues are a concern as well, especially since Manuel Akanji (groin), John Stones (thigh), Nathan Ake (foot) and Rodri (knee) are all out.

Bournemouth vs Manchester City Prediction

Bournemouth are flying high and could be considered favourites for this clash, especially based on what happened in the most recent H2H meeting. However, they’re not used to playing in these stages, whereas Manchester City know all too well what it means to play in decisive stages of a tournament. The experience matters, so while I expect an open match with both teams scoring, I ultimately believe Manchester City will secure the victory.

CryptoGamba tip: Manchester City to win – 2.31 @ Stake