Preview: Bournemouth vs Man City predictions and lineups

The Bournemouth and Manchester City  clash at the Vitality Stadium presents an intriguing prospect for Premier League enthusiasts. Manchester City, currently positioned atop the league table, seeks to recover from a recent setback against Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup . In contrast, Bournemouth enters the fixture buoyed by a commendable performance that included a victory over Arsenal and a draw with Aston Villa, having secured seven of their eleven points this season on home soil .

The league leaders head into Saturday's clash with a mountain of injuries and face a side that beat Arsenal 2-0 in their previous outing at the Vitality Stadium. Bournemouth had endured an indifferent start to the campaign before they sank the ten-man Gunners and Andoni Iraola's side followed that up with a useful point at Aston Villa last weekend.

The Cherries are now up to 11th in the Premier League table and searching for their first-ever win over the Cityzens at the 22nd attempt.

Bournemouth possible starting lineup: Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Tavernier, Kluivert; Evanilson

Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Lewis, Kovacic; Bernardo, Gundogan, Foden, Nunes; Haaland

Despite making 23 fouls this season across all competitions he has yet to be carded but is a player that does usually attract the attention of the referees. He was booked in eight of his last 14 starts last season. One is due.

The Cherries could run the Citizens close but ultimately Guardiola's men should trump Iraola's side here. A draw would not be out of the question but the EPL leaders need to keep their winning momentum at all costs to keep top spot. Pick: Bournemouth 1, City 2.

Little about the hosts this season suggest this will be a walkover for City, especially given the injuries effecting Guardiola’s side, but they remain strong favourites for a reason.

City have a daunting record against the Cherries, and a fully rested Erling Haaland will be keen to add to his tally this season after a few big wasted chances against Southampton last time out.

Predictions for the match favor Manchester City due to their historically dominant head-to-head record against Bournemouth, boasting an aggregate score of 45-7. However, injuries within City's squad may affect their performance; key players such as Akanji and Savinho are doubtful for this encounter . The anticipated lineups suggest that both teams will adopt tactical formations conducive to their strengths: Bournemouth likely employing a 4-2-3-1 setup while City may opt for a 4-1-4-1 formation .

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Sarah H

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