Bournemouth vs Man City Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2024-25 English FA Cup | Quarter-Final
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AFC Bournemouth have enjoyed an extremely impressive campaign and they are chasing a first ever major honour in an FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium.
Kick-off date/time: Sunday 30th March, 2025: UK – 4:30pm / US ET – 11:30am / US PT – 8:30am
How to watch on TV: UK – ITV / US – ESPN+
How to watch online: UK – ITVX / US – ESPN+
Bournemouth Preview: Impressive Cherries
Andoni Iraola is being heavily linked with a move away from AFC Bournemouth in the summer but with the impressive and smart operation of the Black Knight group in charge, he could be tempted to stay and winning a trophy, ensuring European qualification would help that.
They have been in contention for a top five spot and possible UEFA Champions League qualification this season but went into the March international break in average form in the Premier League with just one victory in their last six matches in the league.
Man City Preview: Saving City’s season
Manchester City had won four Premier League titles in a row but this season has been a, relatively, miserable and bizarre one with UEFA Champions League elimination at the knockout playoff stage, an EFL Cup exit in the fourth round and a major decline in the Premier League.
Their most recent outing saw them share an entertaining 2-2 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium a couple of weeks ago before the March international break, sitting tucked inside the aforementioned top five by just a solitary point.
Bournemouth Team News: Potential returns
Before the international break, both Marcos Senesi and Julian Araujo returned to Bournemouth training and Andoni Iraola said they could both return after the break. They remain without Adam Smith, Luis Sinisterra and Enes Unal, though.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Cook, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Christie, Adams; Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson
Unavailable: Smith (Injured), Luis Sinisterra (Injured), Unal (Injured)
Questionable: Marcos Senesi (Fitness), Julian Araujo (Fitness)
Man City Team News: A few issues remain
Bernardo Silva was not away with Portugal on international duty to injury and he remains a doubt for this one but goalkeeper Ederson is expected to be fit. The likes of Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, John Stones and Rodri remain sidelined for the visitors.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Lewis, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol; Nico Gonzalez, Gundogan; Foden, Marmoush, Doku; Haaland
Unavailable: Ake (Injured), Akanji (Injured), Stones (Injured), Rodri (Fitness)
Questionable: Silva (Injured), Bobb (Fitness)
Bournemouth vs Man City Prediction
In the league fixture between these two at the Vitality Stadium back in the autumn, Bournemouth defeated Manchester City by two goals to one in a result that flattered the still reigning English champions. Pep Guardiola later said that the way Bournemouth play is the ‘future of football’. They lacked intensity, perhaps due to fatigue, before the break but may well be reinvigorated and with a semi-final place beckoning, City are just not the same team that can be trusted and backed with conviction anymore.
Bournemouth vs Man City Tip: Double chance – Bournemouth to win or draw
