AFC Bournemouth Manchester City Manchester CityPlayer stats will appear once the competition begins.
Manchester CityNo absentees
AFC Bournemouth- Ryan Christie
Previous lineup is not available.
Manchester City vs Bournemouth is the Sunday pick at the Etihad, with the home side strong favourites against a Bournemouth side that has caused them problems before.
City start as one of the title favourites, but Bournemouth arrive as a well-drilled top-half side who will not simply roll over. Andy Francis has the best bets, our score prediction and the head-to-head record below. The game kicks off at 2pm BST on Sunday, August 23rd.
Premium Tips
Andy is with the home side but expects Bournemouth to have a say, so the goals and Erling Haaland lead the best bets.
| Premium Tip | Odds | Why we’re backing it |
|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland to score anytime, both teams to score and Tyler Adams to be booked | 5/1 | Erling Haaland remains as reliable as ever in front of goal and should have no trouble finding the net against a Bournemouth defence that will spend long spells on the back foot at the Etihad. Bournemouth have shown they can hurt City in recent meetings, though, and with pace and confidence in their own attack they look capable of getting on the scoresheet too. Tyler Adams anchors Bournemouth’s midfield and will be central to breaking up City’s rhythm, a job that regularly earns him a place in the referee’s book. Combining a Haaland goal, both teams scoring and an Adams caution makes for a well-rounded 5/1. |
| Marcus Tavernier and Rayan over 0.5 shots on target, Antoine Semenyo over 1.5 shots on target | 14/1 | Bournemouth won’t come to the Etihad simply to defend, and their front three of Marcus Tavernier, Rayan and Antoine Semenyo carry enough pace and quality to trouble City in transition, even against one of the league’s tightest defensive units. Rayan’s directness on the break gives him a genuine chance of testing the keeper, while Tavernier’s willingness to shoot from range should produce at least one effort on target. Semenyo remains Bournemouth’s most reliable outlet in the final third and has the confidence to get shots away regularly, making his 1.5 mark achievable even in a losing cause at 14/1. |
18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware — gambleaware.org · Odds correct at time of publishing.
How Manchester City go into the game
Manchester City finished second last season with 78 points, scoring 77 goals in another dominant campaign under Pep Guardiola. It’s all change in the dugout though, with Pep leaving and Enzo Maresca taking charge.
Erling Haaland leads the line and is a guarantee of goals, with Omar Marmoush and Phil Foden supporting. City will expect to open with a win, even against tricky opponents.
How AFC Bournemouth go into the game
Bournemouth enjoyed an excellent 2025-26, finishing sixth on 57 points and establishing themselves as a genuine top-half side. They travel to the Etihad with belief rather than fear.
Rayan carries the main threat and has the pace to trouble City on the break. Bournemouth have caused City problems in recent meetings and will fancy an upset.
Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth head-to-head
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19/05/26 | AFC Bournemouth | 1-1 | Manchester City |
| 02/11/25 | Manchester City | 3-1 | AFC Bournemouth |
| 20/05/25 | Manchester City | 3-1 | AFC Bournemouth |
| 30/03/25 | AFC Bournemouth | 2-1 | Manchester City |
| 02/11/24 | AFC Bournemouth | 2-1 | Manchester City |
City have won three of the last five meetings, but Bournemouth have taken points too, including a couple of notable wins across competitions. The fixture is rarely as one-sided as the odds suggest.
Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth predictions & betting tips
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City to win | 4/9 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Champions at home to open the season. |
| Erling Haaland anytime scorer | 4/9 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | The division’s most reliable goal threat. |
| Both teams to score | 4/7 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Bournemouth carry a genuine threat on the break. |
| Over 2.5 goals | 4/9 | ⭐⭐⭐ | City’s firepower points to a high-scoring game. |
| Manchester City to win 2-1 | 17/2 | ⭐⭐ | Our headline scoreline for a home win. |
Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth score prediction
Bournemouth are a good side and have troubled City before, so this is not the formality the odds imply. Even so, the champions have too much quality at home, and we expect them to win a game in which Bournemouth also find the net. Score prediction: Manchester City 2-1 AFC Bournemouth.
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