Manchester City have their home opener on Saturday against AFC Bournemouth, in what might ultimately prove to be a clash between the eventual Premier League champions against what could inevitably be the absolute bottom side. Yes, it’s really hard to size this one up (sarcasm voice). Then again, weirder things, or just as weird things have happened.
Remember Sept of 2019 when Norwich City bested City? It would be an extremely long shot for lightning like that to strike again here. We expect Pep Guardiola to pick a strong team here in order to avoid that.
Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth FYIs
Kick: 3pm Saturday, Aug 13, The Etihad
Team News for Both Sides: go here
After Extra Time Podcast: Spotify Apple
Google Result Probability: Manchester City win 91% Draw 7% Bournemouth win 2%
TV: USA Network
Look for Erling Haaland to keep banging in the goals here. He should equal, if not surpass the brace he bagged on opening day at West Ham United.
Manchester City Starting XI Prediction vs AFC Bournemouth
Ederson; Cancelo, Ake, Dias, Walker; Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Grealish, Foden, Haaland
Prediction: Manchester City 5, AFC Bournemouth 0
It won’t be a Southampton FC when they’re at their absolute worst kind of defeat here, but it won’t be too much prettier either.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Bank (TheSportsBank.Net) and author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” as well as “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He has regularly appeared in WGN, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune, and he co-hosts the After Extra Time podcast, part of Edge of the Crowd Network. Follow him and the website on Twitter and Instagram.