The bad news just keeps on coming for Pep Guardiola.
In addition to losing the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace and finishing the season with only the Community Shield title, recent results have left Manchester City outside the Champions League spots with just two games of the season to go.
The unthinkable of missing out on qualification for the top tier of European football could still happen, and City must win against Bournemouth on their return to Premier League action to dampen those fears.
MORE: How the race for Europe in the Premier League is unfolding. Who can still qualify?
Securing their Champions League passage has become City's final and most important 2024/25 objective. Victories for Chelsea and Aston Villa while City were otherwise engaged with heartache at Wembley knocked Guardiola's side out of the top five earlier on Matchday 37. As things stand, they would be playing in the Europa League next season.
City fans are still counting on them to overtake the Villains and reach the final matchday against Fulham with their destiny in their own hands, but after the blow suffered in the FA Cup final, their response must be immediate.
Bournemouth's hopes of competing in Europe next season ended with Crystal Palace's triumph in the FA Cup. Without the extra UEFA Conference League spot that would have been freed up had Manchester City won, Andoni Iraola's team will have to finish the season happy with the progress they have made.
For this match, Spreadex has Manchester City a 1/2 favourite, while a Bournemouth win rises to 24/5 and a draw is at 18/5.
The Sporting News presents predictions and tips for this crucial Premier League clash at the Etihad.
Man City vs. Bournemouth prediction, tips, bet builder and odds
Over 2.5 total goals + Both Teams To Score @ 1.4/1 (10bet)
If there were ever an ideal opponent for Man City to recover and return to winning ways, it would seem to be Bournemouth. City have won the last four matches between these two sides at the Etihad (three in the Premier League and one in the FA Cup), with at least three goals scored in each. For inspiration, they can look to the example of the previous two home meetings with the Cherries, which both ended in routs for the home side: 4-0 and 6-1. Despite losing on their last four visits, Bournemouth have at least scored once in three of those defeats.
First goal of the match to be scored in the first 10 minutes @ 31/10 (AK Bets)
Needing to go out and get a win, City are a team adept at inflicting damage from the get-go. Although they haven't scored in two matches, prior to that lean spell they had proven they can get after teams early. Rico Lewis opened the scoring against Nottingham Forest 70 seconds into the game, while Bernardo Silva stunned Aston Villa seven minutes into the first half. If Guardiola's team comes out firing, Bournemouth could struggle from the opening whistle at the Etihad, and this AK Bets pick could be a good one.
Man City vs. Bournemouth predicted score and most likely results
Here's a rundown of the most likely outcomes for Man City vs. Bournemouth, according to betway, who are offering up to a £30 free matched bet if your first acca loses, plus a £30 Uber Eats voucher for new customers.
* Odds correct at time of publish with listed firms and subject to change
How to watch Man City vs. Bournemouth in the Premier League
- Date: Tuesday, May 20
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Time: 20:00 BST
- TV/Stream: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League/Sky Go & Now TV