Man City have won 20 of the previous 23 meetings with Bournemouth, but the Cherries' sole victory did come in the reverse fixture in November, albeit they've lost all eight previous outings at the Etihad, conceding 30 goals and never scoring more than once in a game.
As we enter the final week of the Premier League season, Manchester City kick off in sixth place, something that would've been unthinkable in August, making this essentially must-win.
On Saturday, Pep Guardiola's team were beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup Final, yet another dismal day for the Sky Blues this season, and Guardiola was far from magnanimous in defeat come full time.
This will see the Citizens conclude the campaign without any silverware at all, unless we're counting the Community Shield, but could they really miss out on Champions League qualification too?
Manchester City vs Bournemouth preview
Well, last time out ten days ago, against all odds, Man City were held to a goalless draw by rock-bottom Southampton, seeing their four-match winning streak come to an end at St Mary's. Thus, the Sky Blues kick off sixth, one point below Newcastle, Chelsea and Aston Villa, albeit boasting a better goal difference than all of this trio. Thus, they require four points from their last two fixtures, travelling to Fulham on Sunday, to rubber stamp a top-five finish, meaning defeat here could be catastrophic.
Well, Bournemouth have already beaten Manchester City this season, doing so for the first time ever back in November, so they can't do it again, can they? The FA Cup Final actually ended the Cherries' European dreams, but a win here would propel them up to eighth place, having already achieved the club's best-ever top-flight points tally, while their highest finish in the Premier League is ninth.
Andoni Iraola's side were narrowly beaten by Aston Villa last time out, but they had been unbeaten in five beforehand, defeating Arsenal during their most recent away game. So, can Bournemouth put a massive dent into Man City's Champions League aspirations with a shock win on Tuesday?
Manchester City vs Bournemouth head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 23.
- Manchester City Wins: 20. Draws: 2. Bournemouth Wins: 1.
Manchester City team news
John Stones and Nathan Aké are both sidelined, while there's been no indication that Rodri is available yet. Teenager Claudio Echeverri was thrown on for his debut in the FA Cup Final, he had never even been on the bench before, so could the young Argentine see some more minutes here?
Elsewhere, Ederson will be back in goal, displacing cup keeper Stefan Ortega. Outfield, Pep Guardiola decided not to pick any of his defensive midfielders at Wembley, a curious choice to say the least, so will any of İlkay Gündoğan, Nico González, Matheus Nunes or Mateo Kovačić, who's actually an injury doubt, return to the lineup?
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Bournemouth: (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Nunes, Rúben Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Gündoğan, Silva, Marmoush, De Bruyne, Doku; Håland.
Manchester City player to watch vs Bournemouth
This will be Kevin De Bruyne's final appearance at the Etihad in a sky blue shirt. The Belgian has scored 108 goals and registered 177 assists in 420 appearances for Man City, winning all 12 previous encounters with Bournemouth, scoring three times against the Cherries.
Bournemouth team news
Andoni Iraola is without Ryan Christie, Dango Ouattara, Luis Sinisterra and Enes Ünal as well as Alex Scott, who required jaw surgery following the defeat to Aston Villa. So, Lewis Cook will partner Tyler Adams at the base of midfield, with Ilya Zabarnyi once again chosen over Marcos Senesi at the back.
Bournemouth predicted lineup vs Manchester City: (4-5-1): Arrizabalaga; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Cook, Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson.
Bournemouth player to watch vs Manchester City
Dean Huijsen is on his way to Real Madrid, after the Spanish giants paid his £50 million release clause, so will the Spanish international impresse during his penultimate appearance for Bournemouth?
Manchester City vs Bournemouth prediction
We are backing Manchester City for a narrow, hard-fought victory on Tuesday, but one that could be so crucial as they seek to sneak into the top five at the last: Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth.
Manchester City vs Bournemouth FAQs
How to watch Manchester City vs Bournemouth on TV
Manchester City vs Bournemouth will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League & Ultra HD.
- USA: fuboTV, NBC, Telemundo & Deportes En Vivo
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Manchester City vs Bournemouth on live stream
Manchester City vs Bournemouth will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, USA Network, Telemundo & SiriusXM FC
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester City vs Bournemouth?
Manchester City vs Bournemouth takes place on Tuesday 20 May 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).