Premier League leaders Manchester City head to the South Coast to face Bournemouth on Saturday looking to extend their Cherries dominance despite an injury crisis.
Pep Guardiola's side leapfrogged Liverpool to move into top spot last weekend - beating Southampton 1-0 while the Reds drew 2-2 with Arsenal - but are expecting to have just 13 first-team players available for Saturday's game.
A much-changed Man City side were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Tottenham on Wednesday evening, which makes their trip to the Vitality Stadium all the more timely. Bournemouth has been a happy hunting ground for the visitors, who have won on all seven of their last visits and beaten the Cherries in every meeting since their promotion to the top flight in 2015.
History may be against them but the hosts come into Saturday's game with plenty of confidence themselves. Andoni Iraola's team have taken seven points from their last four games - a run that includes a 2-0 win over Arsenal and a 1-1 draw at Villa Park.
The latter came courtesy of Evanilson's stoppage-time header and leaves Bournemouth in 11th place with 12 points from nine games but the eye-catching performance of goalkeeper Mark Travers was perhaps most notable and gives Iraola a decision to make with Kepa Arrizabalaga expected to return soon.
## Injuries and Team News
Bournemouth winger Dango Ouattara is a major doubt after sustaining an injury this week during training.
Mark Travers will remain in goal as Kepa Arrizabalaga continues his recovery, while Luis Sinisterra and Alex Scott are also still out.
City, meanwhile, are in the midst of an injury crisis. Savinho was stretchered off during the Spurs game but looks to have avoided serious injury and could play on Saturday, but that’s where the good news ends.
Pep Guardiola has doubts over Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, Manuel Akanji and Josko Gvardiol after being hit with a raft of injuries. Rodri and Oscar Bobb are long-term absentees.
## The Form Guide
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.
## Prediction
Man City to win, 2-1.
## Head-to-Head
Bournemouth wins: 0
Draws: 2
Man City vs wins: 19
## Betting Odds
Bournemouth to win: 9/2
Draw: 10/3
Man City to win: 4/7
Odds via Betfair and subject to change.
## Where to Watch Bournemouth v Man City
Unfortunately, this game has not been selected for broadcast in the UK.
Likewise, this game will not be shown on any live streaming platforms in the UK.
## Listen Live
You can listen to the match on talkSPORT.
talkSPORT is available on DAB radio, predominantly MW 1089 kHz though you may need to check its official website for some localised frequencies for talkSPORT, and like the BBC, you can tune in via most TV packages. You can also listen to talkSPORT online via the website or app.
## Can Man City Conquer Their Injury Crisis?
Despite their injuries, Man City remain the favourites to win this match. However, Bournemouth is a dangerous team, especially at home, and they will be looking to take advantage of City's weakened squad. It will be interesting to see how Guardiola sets up his team for this game, and whether he can find a way to get a result despite the injuries. The game could be a close one, but ultimately, City's quality should see them through. But don't count out Bournemouth, who have proven that they can mix it with the best in the Premier League.
