Somehow, Manchester City have to find a way to win against Bournemouth | OneFootball

The equation tonight is simple for Manchester City. Somehow, some way, they have to beat Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium tonight. Following Arsenal’s nervy 1-0 win over Burnley last night, City sit five points behind Mikel Arteta’s side, but they do have a game in hand. To extend the title race to the final day of the season, Pep Guardiola’s side simply has to find a way to leave the Vitality Stadium with all three points. However, it does seem that circumstances are conspiring against City as they take on a Bournemouth side who are in red-hot form, and City only played the FA Cup final a couple of days ago. Also, the news that Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City at the end of this season adds another variable to the equation that City must overcome.

An in-form Bournemouth await Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium.

Given that Manchester City played on Saturday, Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium is arguably the worst fixture a team can face on a short turnaround. Andoni Iraola’s side enters tonight’s match off the back of a 16-match unbeaten run in the Premier League (as per Opta) and only needs a point from their final two games of the season to secure European football for next season. Also, tonight is Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola’s final game at the Vitality Stadium, so the Cherries will be fired up for a big performance tonight. That is only part of the equation that City must solve.

Bournemouth are a quality side. They sit sixth on the Premier League table and pack a punch all over the pitch, especially in the final third. Manchester City will have to contend with the threat of Evanilson, Marcus Tavernier, Rayan, and Junior Kroupi will pose a constant threat to Pep Guardiola’s side. As will the energetic high press that Bournemouth deploy. Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is another potential match-winner for the Cherries. Scott has taken his game up a level this season, and he looms a key player tonight. To prosper tonight, City have to contain the considerable threat that Bournemouth pose in the final third.

Pep Guardiola has spelt out what City have to do tonight, that is simply just win.

Speaking yesterday ahead of his team’s must-win match against Bournemouth, Pep Guardiola knows the challenge that awaits his team at the Vitality Stadium. But he also told the media that his team knows what they have to do tonight, that is win. Guardiola explained: “The only chance we have is to win so we have to break that run (Bournemouth’s unbeaten run) otherwise it will be over. Always they have been difficult. Since last years, they have been tough, tough games.”

“Last season in the Premier League it was one of the worst defeats and performances. At the same time, in the quarter-final last season we played really, really good. We will see which face we do tomorrow.”

“We have three days, they have ten days to prepare for the game. They are playing to qualify for the Champions League. When you arrive in the last fixtures and the opponent doesn’t play for anything it’s easier but that is not the case.”

“It is what it is. We know exactly what we have to do. It’s not complicated, we have to win and then against Aston Villa.”

The equation is simple for Manchester City tonight. They must beat Bournemouth to have any hope of winning this season’s Premier League title. If they do not, Arsenal will be crowned champions. Tonight’s match will be one of the toughest of the season for Pep Guardiola’s side. Bournemouth are an exceptional team with plenty to play for. Somehow, City must overcome that challenge and extend the title race to the final day, where, as Manchester City know more than most, anything can happen.