Opening against two promoted sides (W1, D1), Bournemouth now prepares for an entirely different task as reigning Premier League (PL) champions Manchester City visit the Vitality Stadium. The ‘Cherries’ have lost all eight PL matches against today’s visitors, conceding 3.13 goals on average in the process.
Bournemouth had the highest goal average of all PL teams last season (3.32 total goals – league matches), and no teams matched their five matches featuring at least six goals. Both PL matches this season and six of their last ten have featured both teams scoring.
Manchester City’s draw against Tottenham halted a run of 15 straight PL wins and also was the first time in 16 matches they conceded more than one goal. Indeed, the ‘Cityzens’ had the league’s best defense away from home last season, conceding just 11 goals (0.58 on average). They kept five clean sheets from the start of last season, 11 in total (PL).
City started them away campaign by thrashing West Ham 5-0. They led at half-time/full-time in that match, as they have in five of the last eight overall H2Hs. Six of the City’s last eight goals (75%) against Bournemouth, however, have come in the second half.
Players to watch: Harry Wilson scored on his Bournemouth debut – he’s scored more goals from outside the box since the start of 2018/19 than any player in England!
Raheem Sterling (MCI) has scored five goals in the last six H2Hs – four of those came in the second half.
Stat attack: Bournemouth lost ten of their 12 matches against the top six sides last season, conceding three goals or more on six occasions.
City has scored in both halves in seven of the last eight H2Hs.
City was in front at half-time a league-high 12 times away from home last season, and 25 times in total (two of two so far this season).
Will not play
Brooks D.
(Ankle Injury)
Mendy B.
(Knee Injury)
Cook L.
(Knee Injury)
Sane L.
(Knee Injury)
Francis S.
(Knee Injury)
Gosling D.
(Hip Injury)
Groeneveld A.
(Ankle Injury)
Kelly L.
(Ankle Injury)
Stanislas J.
(Knee Injury)
Questionable
Stones J.
(Thigh Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Marriner A. (Eng),
Venue: Vitality Stadium (Bournemouth)