Manchester City return to the Etihad for their final home fixture of the season, eager to turn the page on their FA Cup disappointment. Awaiting them is a Bournemouth side still clinging to slim hopes of European qualification via the Premier League table.
City Look to Rebound After Wembley Disappointment
Pep Guardiola’s side endured a painful defeat in the FA Cup final, falling 1-0 to Crystal Palace in a match marked by missed opportunities and officiating controversy. With just one domestic trophy added this season, the Community Shield, the curtain is slowly drawing on what might be seen as the tail end of Guardiola’s glittering reign.
Despite setbacks in cup competitions, Manchester City remain in the hunt for a Champions League spot. Currently trailing Aston Villa and Chelsea by a single point, they possess a game in hand and a superior goal difference, giving them full control of their top-five fate. Their form at home is encouraging, with four consecutive league wins and a spotless record in their final home league game over the past eight seasons.
Bournemouth Not Giving Up on Europe Just Yet
While Bournemouth’s top-seven aspirations were mathematically dashed by a 1-0 loss to 10-man Aston Villa last weekend, a route to the UEFA Conference League still exists, albeit under narrow conditions. The Cherries must not only finish eighth but also hope for favorable results from both Chelsea and Newcastle, depending on Conference League final outcomes and league standings.
Despite inconsistent form, just three wins in their last 13 league games, Bournemouth can find solace in a strong away run, having lost only once on the road during that stretch. They also managed a memorable 2-1 home victory over City earlier this season, although City exacted revenge in the FA Cup with a win by the same scoreline.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Manchester City are nursing a growing injury list, with Mateo Kovacic potentially joining Rodri, Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb, and John Stones on the sidelines. Tuesday’s match could mark Kevin De Bruyne’s final Etihad appearance, likely seeing him start before a symbolic second-half exit. Expect rotation, with possible starts for Matheus Nunes, Phil Foden, and James McAtee.
Expected XI (4-2-3-1):
Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gonzalez, Gundogan; Savinho, De Bruyne, Marmoush; Haaland
Bournemouth, meanwhile, will miss Alex Scott due to a fractured jaw sustained last week. Enes Unal, Ryan Christie, Dango Ouattara, and Luis Sinisterra are also ruled out for the season. Justin Kluivert is expected to step into Scott’s role, operating behind in-form striker Evanilson, who has five goals in his last five Premier League away starts.
Expected XI (4-2-3-1):
Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Cook, Adams; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson
Prediction
City will want to reward their fans with a strong performance after a frustrating week, but Bournemouth’s away resilience and faint European hopes could make this a tougher test than anticipated. With rotation likely from both managers, a balanced contest could unfold at the Etihad.
Predicted Score: Manchester City 1–1 Bournemouth
