Bournemouth v Manchester City Betting Preview

Back Manchester City to beat struggling Bournemouth

Bournemouth

Before Saturday’s matches kicked off, Bournemouth sat 14^th in the Premier League table, only six points above the relegation zone. They haven’t won in the league in any of their last five, and suddenly after looking safe for most of the season, they’ve been pulled right into the relegation battle. Only Hull have conceded more league goals than Eddie Howe’s men this season, with the Cherries shipping 47 goals in 24 league games. With Manchester City as their next opponents, you fear the half-century is just around the corner.

In their last six games in all competitions, Bournemouth have conceded 19 goals, including six in their latest outing at Everton last weekend. To make matters worse, they’ve only won one of their last five at home, and they’ll have a tough task ending that barren on Monday night.

Manchester City

Prior to the Liverpool v Tottenham match, Manchester City are sitting in the top four, ten points behind league leaders Chelsea. They’re in almost an identical position to where they were at this point last season, with five defeats, and 12 months ago they went on to finish fourth. They have however won their last two in the league, and they’re unbeaten in their last four in all competitions.

Guardiola’s side are certainly firing in front of goal, scoring 18 goals in their last seven in all competitions, and have racked up 3-0 and 4-0 wins in their last two away outings in the league. With Bournemouth’s poor defensive record, City will have a lot of confidence in getting three points from Monday’s tie. It will be their last Premier League match for over three weeks, so Guardiola will be keen on heading into the cup period with a third-straight league win under his belt. I’m backing Manchester City to win.

Head-to-Head

City have never lost to Bournemouth, and their superior form in recent meetings suggests they’re more than likely to continue their unbeaten run. Their three Premier League meetings have ended in 4-0, 5-1 and 4-0 wins for Manchester City – form you’d be brave to bet against.

To score – Gabriel Jesus 5/6

He had to wait for his first Manchester City start, but Gabriel Jesus has made a fantastic first impression. He has two goals in his first two starts, scoring in wins against West Ham and Swansea City. He’s relegated Sergio Aguero to the bench on both occasions, and although he may not keep that up, I can see Guardiola sticking with the 19-year-old Brazilian on Monday night, and you can back odds of 5/6 for him to score at any time.

Both teams to score – No 11/10

11/10 look good odds to back ‘no’ for both teams to score. Bournemouth have only scored one goal in three Premier League meetings against City, and despite their somewhat unreliable backline, I wouldn’t bet against Guardiola’s side keeping a clean sheet on Monday night.

Match odds – Manchester City 4/9

The record between the two sides as well as recent form combine to make Manchester City the strong favourites to take all three points here. I recommend backing odds of 4/9 for Guardiola’s side to win, however odds of 4/1 are available for the draw, and a Bournemouth win, which has never happened before in this fixture, is priced at 13/2.

Writer’s prediction: Bournemouth 0 – 3 Manchester City

*Odds correct at the time of publication, click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches.