Manchester City vs Bournemouth: FA Cup Quarter-Final Preview and Where to Watch | OneFootball

Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth: FA Cup Quarter-Final Preview

Manchester City continue their quest for domestic silverware as they face AFC Bournemouth in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. City, who have reached the semi-finals for six consecutive seasons and lifted the trophy twice during this period, find themselves in a season of relative frustration. With their Champions League exit and a significant gap between themselves and Premier League leaders Liverpool, the FA Cup has become a vital competition for Pep Guardiola’s side.

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City’s FA Cup Hopes: A Renewed Focus

The 2024-2025 season has not gone as planned for Manchester City. Sitting 22 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League, City have already been knocked out of the Champions League during the knockout play-off rounds. As a result, their hopes for the remainder of the campaign are firmly focused on the FA Cup. Guardiola’s side is heavily favoured to lift the trophy, especially after many of their main competitors like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea suffered early exits from the competition.

However, despite their status as favourites, City will not be taking Bournemouth lightly. The Cherries made history earlier this season by securing their first-ever victory over City, a result that has given them confidence heading into this FA Cup clash. With Bournemouth sitting comfortably in the Premier League, they are well on track for their best-ever season in the top flight and will be aiming to cause an upset at home in the quarter-finals.

Team News: Bournemouth’s Defensive Woes and City’s Injury Concerns

Bournemouth head into this match with some defensive issues to address. Andoni Iraola, their manager, will be forced to make changes at the back, as key defenders Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez are both suspended for the clash. While Marcos Senesi will return to the squad, he is unlikely to be fit enough to play the full 90 minutes, and Julian Araujo is also nearing a return from a hamstring injury.

On the other hand, Pep Guardiola faces a somewhat depleted squad due to injuries. City’s defensive options remain limited with John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji all still sidelined. In midfield, Bernardo Silva is a doubt, while in defence, Josko Gvardiol is expected to be fit and available. The big news is the return of goalkeeper Ederson, who has recovered from an abdominal injury. However, Stefan Ortega has often been the preferred choice for Guardiola in domestic cup competitions, meaning Ederson might have to settle for a place on the bench.

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As for City’s attack, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish will both be hoping to impress and stake their claim for a starting spot, knowing they can provide vital creativity and flair as City look to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Where to Watch: Bournemouth vs Manchester City

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Bournemouth vs Man City Prediction

While Manchester City will undoubtedly go into the match as favourites, Bournemouth will not be intimidated. The Cherries will look to replicate the intensity and energy that saw them overcome City earlier in the season, and with the chance to make history by progressing to the semi-finals, they will be highly motivated.

City’s vulnerabilities have been exposed at times this season, particularly when teams have taken the game to them. Despite their superior quality, City have looked alarmingly fragile on occasion, and Bournemouth’s high-energy style could exploit those weaknesses. If they play to their strengths, Bournemouth have a real chance of repeating their earlier triumph over Guardiola’s men.

Manchester City to win 2-1.