Whatever happens tonight Manchester City simply must beat Bournemouth | OneFootball

Tonight will be an emotional night for everyone associated with Manchester City. The club will farewell Kevin De Bruyne, which is going to be an emotional moment when it occurs. But before that moment occurs, Pep Guardiola’s side has a vital match to win. They take on Bournemouth, who are a tough and quality opponent. So whatever happens tonight, City must win. It’s as simple as that.

Bournemouth will be a tough opponent, but Manchester City cannot afford to drop points tonight.

Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth side is a quality outfit. They’ve shown that throughout this season. They currently sit 11th on the Premier League table. But that position doesn’t fully illustrate the quality in their lineup. Any team that has Evanilson, Justin Kluivert, Antoine Semenyo, and Milos Kerkez, just to name a few, in their lineup is a dangerous proposition. Andoni Iraola is a quality manager, and his team will be desperate for three points. They also play a high-octane brand of football, which is easy on the eye. Looking at the strengths of Bournemouth, they do look well built to expose Manchester City’s well-known frailties that have stood out across this season.

Kevin De Bruyne’s farewell will be a special moment, but City must get a result first.

The scene is set for Kevin De Bruyne’s farewell. When that moment occurs, there will hardly be a dry eye in the Etihad. There is also the potential that Rodri could return after being sidelined for the last eight months due to injury. That is another storyline to watch for ahead of tonight’s match. But Manchester City simply must beat Bournemouth tonight. If they can, they’ll only need a draw to secure Champions League football against Fulham at Craven Cottage. A win tonight does ease some pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side heading into their final day fixture. But to get to that point, City simply have to pick up three points tonight.

It doesn’t matter how City win tonight; the manner of Manchester City’s performance is also irrelevant. Tonight is a night where Pep Guardiola’s side simply must find a victory by any means necessary. That way they’ll get the result they desperately need and can send off Kevin De Bruyne in style. That’s the hope heading into a big night at the Etihad.