Manchester City vs Bournemouth predictions and betting tips | Maresca looking for response

Our Manchester City vs Bournemouth predictions centre on whether Enzo Maresca’s men can bounce back from their defeat in the Community Shield. Which way will this one go?

Manchester City vs Bournemouth head to head overview

• Date: Sunday 23rd August.
• Kick-off: 2pm.
• Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England.
• Where to watch: Sky Sports Main Event.

Manchester City vs Bournemouth quick tips

• Manchester City to win and both teams to score – 34/25 with Midnite
• Under 3.5 goals – 8/11 with Sky Bet
• Erling Haaland to score any time – 4/6 with Betfred

Manchester City vs Bournemouth predictions

The Community Shield gave Manchester City an opportunity to make an early statement of intent under new manager Enzo Maresca. They failed to take it.

A 3-0 defeat by Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff last weekend was a hugely disappointing result for a City side that is aiming to take the Premier League title back from the Gunners in 2026/27.

We should not read too much into what is essentially a glorified pre-season friendly, but it goes without saying that City will be in trouble if they deliver more performances like that one in the weeks ahead.

The Italian has a big job on his hands this term. He has massive boots to fill following Pep Guardiola’s exit after a magnificent decade at the helm.

Maresca previously worked as Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad Stadium, so he is no stranger to the club. But even with Guardiola in the dugout in the last two campaigns, City failed to win the title. 

There has been significant change on the other side of the white line too. Leadership figures like Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri are no longer City players. Elliot Anderson has arrived as Rodri’s replacement, but otherwise there have been no major first-team additions.

Manchester City vs Bournemouth tips

Manchester City welcome Bournemouth to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Man City face Cherries test

Bournemouth are also under new management following Andoni Iraola’s move to Liverpool. Marco Rose is his successor and, like Maresca, he has a lot to live up to.

Bournemouth are a well-run club, though, and there is cautious optimism at the Vitality Stadium that this will be another successful season for the Cherries.

Bournemouth are certainly capable of causing Manchester City one or two problems this weekend.

However, Enzo Maresca’s men are right to be considered favourites. A clean sheet will be beyond City, but the hosts should still come out on top.

Tip Manchester City to win and both teams to score at 34/25 with Midnite

Not necessarily high-scoring

The bookies reckon this will be a high-scoring encounter featuring numerous goals. Given some of the attacking talent on display, it is easy to see why.

However, under 3.5 goals looks like excellent value when you consider that a majority of Premier League games contain three strikes or fewer.

Neither Manchester City nor Bournemouth are at the peak of their powers right now. Both teams are still adjusting to new managers, and it will take a few weeks until they have found their post-summer rhythm.

Enzo Maresca values control and he will not want to see this game descend into an end-to-end encounter.

Go for under 3.5 goals at 8/11 with Sky Bet

Haaland seeks fast start

If Manchester City are to wrestle the Premier League title back from Arsenal, they will need Erling Haaland to deliver the goods.

The Norway international is remarkably consistent. In 199 games for Manchester City, he has scored 162 goals.

Haaland was judged to have had a mixed campaign last time out, yet he still made the net bulge 27 times in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old can open his account for 2026/27 on Sunday afternoon.

Back Erling Haaland to score any time at 4/6 with Betfred

Manchester City vs Bournemouth predicted lineups

• Manchester City expected lineup: Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Kovacic, Anderson; Foden, Cherki, Semenyo; Haaland.
• Bournemouth expected lineup: Petrovic; Sanchez, Hill, Silva, Truffert; Scott, Adams; Rayan, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson.

Manchester City vs Bournemouth latest odds

Find the latest Manchester City vs Bournemouth betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

• Manchester City: 2/5 with Betfred
• Draw: 18/5 with Sky Bet
• Bournemouth: 5/1 with Midnite

More Premier League predictions

We have plenty more Premier League predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about Manchester City vs Bournemouth for betting

Bournemouth have never beaten Manchester City away from home, while they have registered just one all-time victory over them at any ground. Their last draw away to Manchester City came way back in 1989.

• Last meeting: 19th May 2026; Bournemouth 1-1 Manchester City.
• Last 6 matches: Manchester City wins – 4; Bournemouth wins – 1; Draws – 1.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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