City started their campaign with a win but a draw against Ronald Koeman’s Everton has pegged them back. They were reduced to 10 men early in the first half after Kyle Walker was sent off rather harshly but they showed great resilience and spirit to put up a fight and find the equaliser late in the second half through Raheem Sterling.
As for Bournemouth, they are yet to open their account as they have lost both at the Hawthorns against West Bromwich Albion and at home to Watford. Bournemouth might unleash Jermain Defoe in this game as they have not even scored once so far this season. The cup victory against Harry Redknapp’s Birmingham city in midweek will be a welcome result for Eddie Howe and his men as they look to trouble City at the Vitality Stadium.
Here are some key battles that could decide the outcome of this fixture:
Nathan Ake vs Sergio Aguero
The Dutch youngster is back for his second stint with the Cherries as he signed for a club record £20 million from Chelsea. He was so impressive in his first term that Conte had decided to recall him to Stamford Bridge but he found chances hard to come by there. Eddie Howe got his man on a permanent basis this time and he faces his biggest opponent so far in the league in Man City’s Sergio Aguero. “Kun” has arguably been the league’s best striker if you consider the last 4-5 seasons. Despite all his injuries, Sergio consistently manages to reach the 20 goal mark for City and he has already scored once this season. He will be looking to pile more misery on Nathan Ake and Bournemouth on Saturday.
Josh King vs John Stones
The Norwegian striker scored an impressive 16 goals in the league last season as he led Bournemouth to an unprecedented 9th position in the League. But he has had a rather indifferent start to the season. With Defoe’s arrival and Afobe’s splendid preseason form, he has been played in a slightly withdrawn role and found it tougher to make an impact. He will be looking to take advantage of the occasional errors in judgement that John Stones tends to make. Stones, on the other hand, has been improving and trying to prove that he is worth the money paid for him. The English centre back possesses enough pace to stop King in his tracks and this could be an intriguing battle.
Harry Arter vs David Silva
Harry Arter was in the news for not the best reasons last weekend after he deceived Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah via a false call which led the latter to dummy the ball in front of goal with no on behind him. He will be out to prove that he is not a mere deceiver but an important part of the Bournemouth squad.The 26-year-old, who is one of the Cherries’ most experienced players will be tasked with stopping David Silva from causing damage. Silva has started the season brightly and is looking threatening every time he gets on the ball. Arter will be tasked with cutting the supply to Jesus and Aguero and if he keeps Silva at bay, almost half the work is to be considered done.
