Manchester City visit Bournemouth on Tuesday night knowing only a victory will keep the Premier League title race alive.
Arsenal’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Burnley on Monday night moved them five points clear at the summit, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side with no margin for error on the south coast. City must claim maximum points to take the title fight down to the final weekend.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, retain strong ambitions of their own as they pursue a historic European qualification place. Andoni Iraola prepares for his final home game in charge at the Vitality Stadium, with the Cherries currently riding a sensational 16-game unbeaten streak — the longest such run by any top-flight side this campaign. Iraola’s side have won four of their last five matches, igniting genuine dreams of Champions League football.
That said, City’s historical record in this fixture is extraordinary. The Citizens have won 16 of their 17 Premier League encounters against Bournemouth — a 94.1% win rate that stands as the highest in Premier League history against a single opponent. Bournemouth did, however, claim a memorable 2-1 victory in this exact fixture last season, offering Iraola’s side reason to believe an upset is possible tonight.
Bournemouth vs Manchester City – Match preview and team news
- Competition: Premier League
- Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026
- Kick-off: 19:30 BST
- Venue: Vitality Stadium
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
- VAR: Jarred Gillett
- Last Meeting: Manchester City 3–1 Bournemouth (2 Nov 2025, Premier League)
Bournemouth team news
The hosts must navigate this crucial clash without midfielder Ryan Christie, who serves the first match of a three-game suspension. Tyler Adams looks poised to deputise in the engine room alongside Alex Scott. Right-back Alex Jimenez remains unavailable following an internal club suspension, while Lewis Cook has returned to training but may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Manchester City team news
Guardiola heads into the match with a fully fit squad after Rodri recovered to feature at Wembley last weekend. Creative playmaker Rayan Cherki is expected to return to the starting eleven after beginning the Chelsea game on the bench. In attack, Antoine Semenyo makes an emotional first return to his former stadium. Gianluigi Donnarumma also comes back into the side in goal ahead of cup keeper James Trafford.
Form
Bournemouth
The Cherries sit sixth in the table after turning recent stalemates into vital victories. They have avoided defeat in eight different matches after conceding the opening goal this season. Teenage forward Rayan enters the contest in sparkling form after scoring in three consecutive appearances.
Manchester City
The FA Cup holders arrive on the south coast defending a 10-game unbeaten run. Guardiola’s men have secured nine victories during that impressive sequence across all competitions. That said, City have lost three of their last four away games against coastal opposition.
Predicted lineups
Bournemouth Predicted XI: Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Rayan, Kroupi, Tavernier; Evanilson
Manchester City Predicted XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Silva, Rodri; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland
How to watch Bournemouth vs Manchester City?
The match is broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage begins at 19:00 BST ahead of the 19:30 kick-off on Tuesday evening. Subscribers can also stream the action online via the Sky Go app.
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