Man City vs Bournemouth tips and predictions: Justin Kluivert key as Etihad entertainment expected

Manchester City state of play

Manchester City must put FA Cup heartbreak to one side as their Champions League hopes are on the line. 

Saturday's Wembley defeat to Crystal Palace means Pep Guardiola's side will end the campaign without silverware and they're also in danger of losing their place at Europe's top table as they sit outside the Premier League top five with the finish line fast approaching. 

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A draw or better would see City climb to third and Champions League qualification would be in their own hands heading into the final day of the campaign. 

Bournemouth state of play

Bournemouth fans are also hoping to get their passports out next term, but their team must claim all three points at the Etihad or they will be out of the race for eighth place. 

A 1-0 defeat to Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa in their last outing ended the Cherries' five-game unbeaten streak and means they currently sit in the bottom half of the table, five points behind Brighton with two games to play. 

Dean Huijsen will continue to pull on a Bournemouth shirt for the remainder of the season, despite confirming a transfer to Real Madrid in the summer. 

Key talking point: How will hosts deal with dangerous opponents? 

Guardiola loves to control matches, but Bournemouth will pose problems. 

Despite their recent form since late February being patchy, the Cherries boast the fourth-best away record in the league and have scored the second-highest number of goals on their travels. 

As well as potentially baiting the hosts with their press, Andoni Iraola's team should be dangerous in transitions, but their attacking mentality is reflected in the data as there have been three goals or more in 78% of their away matches.  

Both teams have scored in 78% of Bournemouth's games away from home so City might see it as a case of outscoring the opposition to bag the points. 

That's something they are not adverse to because Etihad games average 3.44 goals and both teams have found the back of the net in 61% of their home fixtures. 

It's a crunch clash for both - and it should be a cracker. 

FIRST’s top tip for Manchester City vs Bournemouth

Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals - 10/11 (Betway)

There should be goals. The selection landed in three of City's last five at home and four of Bournemouth's last five away matches. 

Extra tips

Justin Kluivert 1+ shots on target - 17/20 (Betway)

The Dutchman is Bournemouth's key attacking outlet and he's averaging 1.13 shots on target per 90 minutes. 

Team with most cards - Bournemouth - 5/6 (Betway)

Don't expect too many cards as referee Thomas Bramall has dished out just 29 in nine games, but Bournemouth should edge it having earned 96 cards compared to City’s 57. 

Team news

Mateo Kovacic is doubtful for the hosts after missing the cup final. Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb, Rodri and John Stones remain sidelined. 

A broken jaw means Bournemouth's Alex Scott joins Ryan Christie, Dango Ouattara, Luis Sinisterra and Enes Unal on the sidelines. 

Manchester City vs Bournemouth predicted line-ups

Manchester City: Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Gonzalez, Gundogan; Savinho, De Bruyne, Marmoush; Haaland (4-2-3-1)

Bournemouth: Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Cook, Adams; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson (4-2-3-1)

Form guide (all competitions)

Manchester City: WWDWWWWWDL

Bournemouth: DLLLDWDDWL

Odds correct at the time of writing.