By Matt Smith
Andoni Iraola’s facet have in truth by no means reached the semi-final of the FA Cup, however they arrive up towards serial trophy winners Manchester Metropolis, who wish to discover a silver lining in what has been a disappointing season.
Bournemouth really obtained the higher of Pep Guardiola’s males the final time the 2 sides met, securing a 2-1 victory of their first assembly of the 2024/2025 Premier League marketing campaign. Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson struck for the house facet that day, with Joško Gvardiol netting a late comfort.
Staff information
Iraola will likely be with out two of his star performers for this one, with Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen each suspended after selecting up two yellow playing cards within the competitors. It’s an important blow for the Cherries, however Iraola has confirmed that Marcos Senesi is edging nearer to full health and will substitute Huijsen.
Metropolis shouldn’t have any recent damage considerations heading into this sport. Rodri, John Stones, Nathan Aké, and Manuel Akanji stay on the therapy desk, however Oscar Bobb has lately returned to motion for the U21s.
Bournemouth dropping off after spectacular begin
Bournemouth loved a sensational begin to the Premier League season, which noticed them in rivalry for a European place. Nevertheless, in latest weeks, the Cherries have dropped off drastically, failing to win (in 90 minutes) of their earlier 5 matches.
Iraola’s facet have been one of the vital spectacular sides going ahead within the competitors to date. Solely Manchester Metropolis (12.9) have created extra anticipated objectives within the FA Cup this marketing campaign than Bournemouth (8.9) Justin Kluivert has created eight possibilities for his team-mates within the competitors, however he’s solely offered one help.
Metropolis scoring at will within the FA Cup
Though Guardiola’s facet have struggled within the Premier League and Europe, they’ve been discovering the again of the online with ease within the competitors. The Residents have scored 4.3 objectives per match this marketing campaign, greater than some other facet.
Metropolis have additionally created a whopping 26 massive possibilities, double the variety of Wolves who’ve created the second-most within the competitors. The attacking high quality of Metropolis wants no introduction, and on their day, the vast majority of sides in Europe will wrestle to contend them.
Doku the hazard man
Jérémy Doku hasn’t featured too closely within the FA Cup to date, however with Metropolis solely competing for one trophy, we may see Guardiola go full power and begin the winger. Within the Premier League this season, Doku has produced 6.82 profitable dribbles per sport, comfortably greater than some other participant.
On account of accidents, Bournemouth are prone to line up with Lewis Prepare dinner at right-back. Though he’s carried out impressively in that place, he’s naturally a midfielder, in order that might be an fascinating match-up on the Vitality Stadium.
Prediction
Though Metropolis have struggled this season, the considered Guardiola’s facet going with out a trophy feels unfathomable. We’re going for a 1-1 draw, with Metropolis advancing in extra-time.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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