Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the FA Cup match.
Bournemouth currently have goals that are just as ambitious as those of Manchester City when they first received significant Middle Eastern investment. By eliminating a major contender for the trophy, Bournemouth make the path easier not only for themselves but for everyone else.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth are the last team that realistically has a chance of qualifying for the Champions League. Reaching the Europa League wouldn’t be significantly easier, and the Conference League isn’t really appealing to them, so they should consider winning the FA Cup, however optimistic that may seem. Bournemouth are capable of beating any opponent when they are at their best. The reigning champion experienced this firsthand in November (2:1). However, in their last four Premier League matches, they’ve only picked up one point, narrowly losing each game and drawing only their away match against Tottenham Hotspur (2:2).
Manchester City
Manchester City themselves achieved that very score in their last Premier League outing before the international break. Brighton proved to be a stubborn opponent, forcing an own goal from the home side through Abdukodir Khusanov. That was the most goals they’d scored in five games, except for their FA Cup match against Championship underdog Plymouth Argyle (3:1). In the other five, they scored no more than one goal. The cost has been elimination from the Champions League and two losses and a draw, with only one win.
Bournemouth vs Manchester City Prediction
This has all the makings of a lively, end-to-end cup tie. Manchester City remain favourites, but Bournemouth’s energy, home advantage, and belief — especially with memories of November still fresh — make them dangerous. Given the visitors’ recent defensive wobbles and Bournemouth’s knack for rising to the occasion, we’ll back Bournemouth to avoid defeat in regulation time and expect goals on both ends.
