🏏 Tue, 19 May 2026 19:30 BST
AFC Bournemouth
vs
Manchester City
4-2-3-1 vs 4-1-4-1
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- Bournemouth are currently 6th on 55 points and in superb form with 4 wins and 1 draw in their last five as they host 2nd-placed Manchester City (74 points). Chasing leaders Arsenal (82 points), City face a tough situation, 8 points behind with three games left, but they have a record of staging a dramatic late-season comeback last season too. Bournemouth retain a chance of securing European qualification, making it a contest neither side can yield.
- In this season's Matchday 10 meeting, Manchester City cruised to a 3-1 home win. Bournemouth lost narrowly 0-1 at home to City last season and 1-2 at home the season before, a three-game home losing streak against City. Watch whether this season's Bournemouth, which has surged under manager Andoni Iraola with high pressing and an attacking style, can take points off City at home.
- Both sides line up in a 4-2-3-1 (Bournemouth) and a 4-1-4-1 (City), so the midfield battle holds the key. Bournemouth's midfield is anchored by the pairing of USA captain Tyler Adams (CDM) and England's Alex Scott (CM), and their tussle with City's heartbeat Rodri (the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner) is one to watch. Rodri, back from a serious ACL injury, is the world's best anchor, completely controlling a game's tempo from the base of midfield.
- Antoine Semenyo, who moved from Bournemouth to City for 64 million pounds in January 2026, faces his former club. The 25-year-old Ghana international, who has grown into one of the Premier League's premier wingers after an explosive start of 6 goals in his first 7 games, looks likely to stir mixed feelings among the former club's fans with his right-wing breaks and shooting. On Bournemouth's bench, meanwhile, is Turkey forward Enes Unal, a Manchester City academy product who joined via Villarreal.
- Leading City's front line is the 195cm Erling Haaland (Norway international), the world's best striker who scored 36 goals in his debut Premier League season, who will bear down on Bournemouth's defence. Bournemouth counter with the pairing of Serbia international Marcos Senesi (CB, 184cm) and James Hill (CB, England, 184cm). Senesi, a former captain at Feyenoord, will see his left-footed build-up and aerial strength put to the test.
- Bournemouth's attack is led by Brazil centre-forward Evanilson, who joined from FC Porto for a club-record fee of about 40.2 million pounds. He scored 60 goals in 154 games for Porto and his finishing -- striking accurate shots with either foot -- is his weapon. In addition, 19-year-old Brazilian Hian (RW), who joined from Vasco da Gama for about 24.7 million pounds and scored a solo goal on his home debut, will look to make things happen from the right.
- In City's goal stands Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma, who joined from PSG. The 27-year-old master, boasting a 196cm frame and astonishing reflexes, was named Player of the Tournament at EURO 2020 and won the Champions League with PSG in 2025. Watch whether he can shut out Bournemouth's attack. A modern goalkeeper with high technical ability at his feet, he also functions as a starting point for build-up.