AFC Bournemouth are back on the road, as Eddie Howe’s side travel to champions Manchester City for their latest Premier League clash.
Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth
Saturday 1st December, 3pm
Premier League
Etihad Stadium
Manchester City head into the weekend’s game in excellent form, unbeaten in the Premier League this season.
Of their 13 games played in the league, just two have ended in draws, with Pep Guardiola’s side taking three points from the other 11.
The current champions sit top of the table on 35 points, two ahead of Liverpool in second, while their goal difference already stands at a remarkable +35, having only conceded five league goals all season.
Last time out
Lyon 2-2 Manchester City
Manchester City may be a little fatigued from their midweek clash against Lyon in France. The Champions League fixture ended 2-2, with the visitors twice coming from behind to rescue a point in Group F.
Aymeric Laporte headed City level, after Maxwel Cornet put Lyon into the lead. The Ivorian then put the hosts ahead once more, before none other than Sergio Aguero scored seven minutes from time to ensure the spoils were shared.
Pep Guardiola’s side have now qualified for the last 16, sitting in pole position to top their group with ten points.
Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Zinchenko, Sterling, Fernandinho, Silva, Mahrez, Aguero (Foden 90+1), Sane (Delph 71)
2018/19 top scorer: Sergio Aguero (12 goals)
The manager
There is no doubt about Pep Guardiola’s reputation as one of the greatest managers in the modern game, with that reputation enhanced after a record-breaking season last year. He not only guided his City side to top of the Premier League table, but they also reached the 100-point mark, the first time any team has achieved this feat.
The Spaniard also has the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich on his CV, but he currently continues to tackle the Premier League with his Manchester City side.
Injury news
Kevin De Bruyne looks set to miss the weekend’s game, having damaged ligaments against Fulham in early November. Additionally, Benjamin Mendy is recovering from an operation, which took place in the recent international break. He is set to be out for 12 weeks after a meniscus problem.
Bernardo Silva missed last week’s Premier League clash with West Ham United, withdrawing from Portugal duty due to the injury. He could make a return against the Cherries this Saturday.
As for Eddie Howe’s side, Adam Smith faces up to three months on the sidelines with a knee injury picked up at Newcastle, while Jefferson Lerma is suspended for picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Arsenal.
Key stats
Ryan Fraser and Raheem Sterling sit joint top of the assists chart, setting up six goals each in English football’s top flight this term.
Sergio Aguero tops the Premier League scoring chart, alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Both have eight goals this season.
Manchester City have made 9,100 passes in the Premier League this season, with only Chelsea completing more (9,255).
