Manchester City travel to Bournemouth tonight amid a wave of outside noise as they seek to take the title race to the final day with rumours swirling about Pep Guardiola’s imminent departure. City are five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal with two games to play and must defeat the Cherries this evening or else the Gunners will be confirmed as champions. That pressure is only increased by the news that Guardiola is reportedly leaving the club at the end of the season and that this will be his final title race.
To make matters worse, Bournemouth have lofty ambitions of their own and are targeting a spot in the Europa League. Andoni Iraola’s men are unbeaten in 16 matches - a run that goes back to January - which includes high-profile wins over Liverpool and Arsenal. Adding City to the list of big clubs beaten this year would guarantee the Cherries at least sixth place in the league as well as a place in Europe, so they have everything to play for tonight.
When is Bournemouth vs Man City?
Bournemouth vs Man City is due to kick off at 7.30pm BST on Tuesday, 19 May at the Vitality Stadium.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event with coverage starting at 7pm. Subscribers can also stream the game live on Sky Go.
Team news
Guardiola has a full squad to choose from with Rodri back from injury having played 65 minutes of the FA Cup final last Saturday. Rayan Cherki is expected to start ahead of Omar Marmoush with Gianluigi Donnarumma set to return in goal. Ryan Christie will miss the match after picking up a red card in the win over Fulham. Lewis Cook and Julio Soler are back from injuries and could play a part, but right-back Alex Jimenez has been suspended by the club.
Predicted line-ups
Bournemouth XI: Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Rayan, Kroupi, Tavernier; Evanilson
Man City XI: Donnarumma; O’Reilly, Guehi, Khusanov, Nunes; Rodri, Bernardo; Doku, Foden, Cherki; Haaland
Latest odds
Unsurprisingly, betting sites have Manchester City as favourites to win tonight’s match and end Bournemouth’s unbeaten run.
- Bournemouth to win - 7/2
- Draw - 3/1
- Man City to win - 4/6
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