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Bournemouth vs Manchester City: FA Cup Quarter Final Preview

The final FA Cup quarter final of the season of the season will take place at the home of the Cherries today, with Manchester City being the visitors.

Bournemouth are heading into the game on the back of three losses and one draw in the premier league, a dismal form not reflective in the FA Cup.

A poor form that is much too familiar for the recent Manchester City, having their worst season since Guardiola joined in 2016.

Man City go into the Quarter-Final on the back of a 2 - 2 draw to Brighton in the Premier League and a 3 - 1 win against bottom of Championship Plymouth Argyle.

The Cherries go into the clash brimming with confidence, beating Man City 2 - 1 last time out in the Premier League. The to teams will face another time in the penultimate Premier League game-week.

However, both teams haven't had the best results so it will be a matter of who performs on the day, neither team having momentum.

Man City

Pep Guardiola has the choice of both Ederson and Stefan Moreno with Ederson coming back from an abdominal injury.

There were concerns regarding Josko Gvardiol, whom was subbed off early with an injury in the international clash between Croatia and France. He is, however, expected to be able to start.

City are without the trio of defenders Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Nathan Ake who are all still injured, so it is expected that newcomer Abdukodir Khusanov is to partner Ruben Dias in the central defensive roles.

Star player Rodri is still side lined from his cruciate ligament injury, nearing recovery however.

Bournemouth

Two key components of The Cherries' defence as both Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen are suspended for the game, forcing boss Andoni Iraola to reshuffle.

Marcus Senesi is expected to be able to be involved within the game, albeit not the full 90 minute stint.

Julian Araujo is nearing a return from a hamstring but is not expected to return for the Quarter Final.

Man City

Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Khusanov, Gvardiola; Savinho, Gonzalez, Gundogan; Marmoush, Doku, Haaland

Bournemouth

Kepa; Soler, Senesi, Zabarnyi; Cook, Scott, Adams; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavenier, Evanilison

Key Players

Man City - Erling Haaland

Despite under-performing as a whole this season, Erling Haalan is still second in the Goalscoring table in the Premier League, scoring 21 goals. This stat measures out to an impressive 0.76 goals per 90 minutes.

One of City's weaknesses this season has been a lack of intensity and energy up top, so rely on Haaland to perform, which he has done so often.

He has the desire to score goals and and help his team win, which is evident in his 52 goals in his debut season.

Haaland is the only starting striker in the City squad so is pivotal for their attacking numbers.

Despite the team creating a lack of goals this season, having Haaland in the starting eleven will always give the opposition something to think about as to how they will handle his physical prowress.

Bournemouth - Justin Kluivert

Kluivert has truly revolutinised his attacking output this season, providing much more than previous seasons, being like a new signing.

Kluivert has featured in 27 appearances this season and has contributed 12 goals, consisting of two hattricks, and 6 assists.

He has been influential not only in the Premier League but also in their FA Cup run, scoring one goal and one assist in 146 minutes.

Kluivert will be a threat that will cause City's lack lustre defence problems, with the defence seemingly dropping off in intensity in the closing stages of the game.

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