The Premier League title may finally be going elsewhere after a four-year stranglehold, but this season certainly isn’t over as far as Manchester City are concerned.
Not only are the Citizens still firmly in the race for Champions League qualification, but Pep Guardiola’s side can also right the wrongs of last term by claiming FA Cup glory.
Such an accolade may not have been the priority when the campaign began, although the Citizens – who have reached the last two finals in the competition – must not pass up this opportunity to add to their trophy haul, particularly with the rest of the so-called ‘Big Six’ already crashing out.
The lack of genuine rivals won’t mean that it is a smooth ride to Wembley, however, with the 2023 winners facing a tough task away at high-flying Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon, with the Cherries running out 2-1 winners in this fixture back in November.
Will another upset occur this time around, or can Guardiola help to kickstart a positive end to this sticky campaign by claiming victory?
What happened in Man City's previous meeting vs Bournemouth
For the first time in Premier League history, it was Bournemouth who claimed victory against City when the two sides met earlier in the season, with that result representing the first real signs of trouble in the visitors’ title bid.
2024/25
Quarter-finals
Bournemouth
N/A
2023/24
Runner-up
Man Utd
1-2 (L)
2022/23
Winner
Man City
2-1 (W)
2021/22
Semi-finals
Liverpool
2-3 (L)
2020/21
Semi-finals
Chelsea
0-1 (L)
2019/20
Semi-finals
Arsenal
0-2 (L)
2018/19
Winner
Watford
6-0 (W)
2017/18
Fifth round
Wigan
0-1 (L)
2016/17
Semi-finals
Arsenal
1-2 AET (L)
2015/16
Fifth round
Chelsea
1-5 (L)
In fact, the 2-1 win for the Cherries ensured it was a first top-flight defeat of the campaign for Guardiola and co, with the away side ending that gameweek still only two points behind rivals Liverpool at the summit, after ten games played.
Despite their strong start to 2024/25, City could hardly argue with the result, in truth, as the hosts were dominant right from the off, with Ederson called into action to deny Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert early on.
Semenyo did eventually make the breakthrough after just nine minutes, before summer signing Evanilson added a second on the hour mark, with the former Porto striker prodding home after being left free inside the penalty area.
A late header from Josko Gvardiol did spark a nervy finish inside the Vitality Stadium, although Andoni Iraola’s side held strong, with City suffering their first loss in a month that would end without a win in all competitions.
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In a way, the reigning champions have not recovered since that night on the south coast, with now the perfect time to exact revenge, ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final tie later today.
If Guardiola’s side are to get a positive result, however, the serial-winning coach may need to shuffle his pack following the 2-2 with Brighton last time out, with Savinho among those who could make way.
Why Man City must drop Savinho vs Bournemouth
That outing prior to the international break saw City twice take the lead against the Seagulls, only to twice be begged back, with the stuttering side having now slipped to fifth in the table as a result.
Among the underperformers on the day was that man Savinho, with the former Girona starlet having been replaced after just 58 minutes, having missed two big chances prior to that.
The fleet-footed Brazilian was handed a 5/10 match rating by the MEN’s Simon Bajkowski due to his errant display, with the City correspondent writing that the winger was ‘let down by poor finishing and final touches’.
The upcoming clash with the Cherries could then provide the opportune time to drop the 20-year-old back to the bench, with academy graduate, James McAtee among those who could be in line to take his place.
Lauded as a “special player” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Englishman has been used sparingly this season by Guardiola, albeit while making an impact when he has featured, having scored six times despite only starting six games in all competitions.
Indeed, the 22-year-old has already proven himself something of an FA Cup hero after netting a hat-trick in the 8-0 thrashing of Salford City, with the left-footer capable of slotting in centrally, or in Savinho’s right-wing berth.
With Phil Foden – who hasn’t scored since the win over Chelsea back in January – currently off the boil, it might be wise to give McAtee the nod instead, not least amid his fine form over the international break.
While question marks are lingering over Foden’s future in the senior England set-up, his compatriot sparkled for the U21s, after registering three goals and assists across meetings with France and Portugal.
There does remain the prospect that McAtee could depart this summer, amid mounting interest in his services, yet the next few months could be his chance to prove that he has a long-term future at the Etihad.
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