Manchester City vs Bournemouth: This is how Maresca will start his first Premier League match
Enzo Maresca will make his official Premier League debut as Manchester City manager when Bournemouth visit the Etihad. After the Guardiola era and a disappointing Community Shield loss, the pressure is already there. Here are the lineups, the stats and our verdict.
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The era of Maresca starts – with a bang?
Pep Guardiola is history. After an era of trophies and dominance, it is now Enzo Maresca who will steer the ship at the Etihad. So far, the transition has not gone smoothly.
Last weekend, it narrowed: a 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield. Not exactly the dream start the Italian manager had envisioned. But today he gets the chance to turn the ship around – at home against Bournemouth in the first league game of the season.
The line-ups are ready
Manchester City (XI): Donnarumma – Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol – Lewis, Anderson, O’Reilly – Semenyo, Foden, Haaland
The bench: Rulli, Marmoush, Kovacic, Cherki, Nico, Grealish, Ait-Nouri, Reis, Nunes
Bournemouth (XI): Petrovic – Truffert, Cook, Hill, Scott – Evanilson, Silva, Smith – Tavernier, Kluivert, Rayan
The bench: Dennis, Brooks, Gannon-Doak, Adams, Diakite, Sanchez, Toth, Jebbison, Rodriguez
The statistics speak for themselves
City have won all nine Premier League games against Bournemouth at home. The goal difference? 34–6. That means an average of 3.8 goals per game – City’s highest average against any opponent on their own turf.
Bournemouth have only won their first league game in two out of nine attempts in the Premier League era. City, on the other hand, have won the season opener in 14 of the last 15 years. The only exception: a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in 2021/22.
However, one thing is worth noting: City lost both their first and their last home game at the Etihad last season. They have not lost two consecutive home games in the league since May 2021.
How to watch the match
Kick-off is at 14:00. The match will be telecast on the Sky Sports Main Event and streamed via Sky Go.
Our verdict: City win – but not convincing
It may take time for Maresca’s machinery to be in full swing. Players are supposed to learn new roles, and the philosophy is still fresh. But at home at the Etihad, against a Bournemouth side with a weak record in opening games, City should have enough quality to land three points.
Tip: 2-1 to Manchester City.
