Life has never been better at Bournemouth. The Cherries cut ties with four members of their back five over the summer, but the side have barely skipped a beat. Since a 4-2 loss to **Liverpool**on the opening matchday, they have been undefeated, boasting the longest unbeaten run in the division.
Thanks to a 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, the team are now in second spot in the Premier League, sitting seven points behind league leaders Arsenal. Hopes of a title charge are perhaps a little too lofty, but **Bournemouth**will continue to dare to dream with a full throttle, intense approach that shows no fear on the football field. Andoni Iraola is breaking records with substance and style.
His men have picked up 18 points from their first nine games, a new high for the club, and the aspirations of a first continental campaign seem more tangible than ever before. Never before have they managed to take three points at the Etihad Stadium, so now is the time to end that hoodoo.
For Man City, the formula is clear. If Erling Haaland scores, the side have a shot at walking away with a positive result. He has only failed to find the back of the net two times this campaign: a 2-1 loss to **Brighton**at the Amex Stadium in August and a 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The talismanic number nine is one of a few key pillars for the Citizens, who have not fully regained their rhythm as **Rodri**continues his recovery from an ACL injury. Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden have highlighted flashes of their top tier talent, but this team is far from the all-conquering versions of an outfit that had elite operators from back to front. **Pep Guardiola**is still in the midst of a transition.
However, his competitive spirit shall not fade away easily. The legacy of the manager is set in stone, but pride is on the line for a man who has never gone two consecutive years without a league crown. City are nine points adrift of the Gunners, and they will be desperate to close the gap in this game.
Team News
**Erling Haaland**suffered a collision with a post in the defeat at **Villa Park**last Sunday. He was not involved in a midweek Carabao Cup contest with Swansea City, but he should be available to play.
**Rodri**remains a tentative option in the middle of the park, but he should feature against the Cherries.
Mateo Kovacic is the only significant doubt for the Citizens in this fixture as he continues to find sharpness after recovery from his Achilles surgery. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki starred in midweek while Rayan Ait-Nouri has returned from an ankle injury that he sustained in August.
Enes Unal has finally come back into the plans after an ACL injury that he suffered in January while Evanilsonhas an ongoing calf complaint that has ruled him out of the matches with Crystal Palace and Forest. However, EliJunior Kroupi has emerged as a more than capable deputy in the attack.
The Frenchman scored twice at Selhurst Park and ripped another strike from range into the net last weekend. He has now scored four goals for the Cherries in the Premier League in just 163 minutes.
Likely Line-ups
Donnarumma; Nunes, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Gonzalez; Silva, Reijnders, Foden, Savinho; Haaland
Petrovic; Jimenez, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo; Kroupi
Key Players
**Erling Haaland**has hit new heights as he matures in his game and grows in importance. He has registered 15 goals in just 12 appearances across the **Premier League**and Champions League, marking himself out as the most feared finisher in European football at the start of this season.
Haaland is the go-to guy for a group aspiring to return to the top. After firing a blank last weekend away at Villa Park, he will be keen to continue his 100% scoring record at the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland is clear in the scoring stakes, but next in the list is **Bournemouth**winger Antoine Semenyo.
A wide man capable of creating chaos from both flanks, Semenyo has a blend of rawness, physicality, and two footed finishing that has made him one of the most desirable assets in the Premier League.
To top it off, he is a player who lives for the big occasion. A brace at **Anfield**kicked off his campaign, and he scored twice in a 3-1 turnaround triumph over **Fulham**at the start of October. If the Cherries are going to make history in Manchester, then expect their number 24 to be at the centre of the action.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game will take place at the home of Man City, the Etihad Stadium.
What time is kick-off?
The kick-off is scheduled for 16:30 GMT on Sunday, 2 November 2025.
How can I watch?
Footage for viewers in the UK will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.