Odds courtesy of TonyBet.
Manchester City vs Bournemouth Odds
City is a heavy -200 home moneyline favorite for Sunday’s clash at soccer betting sites. The Cherries are priced as a +480 underdog, while a draw is set at +390 odds. The total sits relatively high at 3.5 goals, with the Over sitting at +112, and the Under at -132.
The Sky Blues are unbeaten across their last four meetings with Bournemouth. This exact fixture last term saw City win 3-1, but the two sides did play to a 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium in May.
Manchester City vs Bournemouth Analysis
City head into a brand new era this term after Pep Guardiola departed following 10 successful years at the helm. His ex-assistant, Maresca, takes over after a brief spell in charge of Chelsea last season before parting ways with the club. Now he gets a chance to hopefully take the Sky Blues back to the top of the Premier League, but there are many changes within the team that will make winning the title a difficult task.
Man City saw Bernardo Silva leave this summer as he joined forces with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. Rodri, arguably one of the best midfielders in the world, also went to Spain, signing with LaLiga title-holders Barcelona recently. Tijjani Reijnders also left for Saudi Arabia, although he wasn’t as important as the aforementioned players. City’s start to the campaign in the Community Shield didn’t go to plan either, with Arsenal hammering them 3-0 in Cardiff. But the Premier League is what matters most, and the Cityzens will be looking to get started on the right foot.
Bournemouth was left in good hands by Andoni Iraola, who led them to a spot in Europe last season as they ultimately finished in sixth place. Iraola took over at Liverpool, and Rose steps in as the new boss. The German has boatloads of experience in Europe, and he’ll inherit a squad brimming with talent. Rayan, Eli Junior Kroupi, and Evanilson are all dangerous attacking pieces, with Kroupi leading the squad last term with 13 goals.
The Cherries did a phenomenal job of staying competitive after Antoine Semenyo joined Man City in the winter transfer window, and they should be a solid side again in ‘26-27. Bournemouth have been linked to Swiss standouts Ruben Vargas and Breel Embolo as well, and it’s possible they do some more business before the window closes. City will be a tough task on matchday one, but the Cherries will be fancying their chances against a new-look Cityzens side who aren’t the same force as the past.
Manchester City vs Bournemouth Injury News
Manchester City enter Sunday’s opener with no major injury concerns. Erling Haaland had a minor heel issue in training last week, but Maresca confirmed the striker was fit and he subsequently featured against Arsenal in the Community Shield.
Bournemouth have more significant injury concerns heading to the Etihad. Junior Kroupi is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a foot injury suffered during pre-season, while Julian Araujo also underwent surgery after sustaining a thigh injury and will miss the start of the campaign. Veljko Milosavljevic is also sidelined with a knee problem and has no confirmed return date. Ryan Christie is another absentee for Sunday, with the midfielder serving a suspension.
Manchester City vs Bournemouth Picks
Bournemouth have the fight, experience, and grit to give City a run for their money. However, their absences are piling up, and without Kroupi, I worry about their cutting edge up top. With City also playing on home soil, I’ll take them to secure three points on Sunday at the Etihad.
Pick: Man City -200/TonyBet
