There is no easy solution to figuring out how to stop the creative play of Man City. Every team that has tried so far this season has come unstuck apart from Wolves and Liverpool, and City are scoring goals for fun at the moment.
Playing three across the centre of midfield may be the way Howe approaches this match. While Jefferson Lerma is out, Dan Gosling and Lewis Cook look like certain starters, but Surman could also be used to add more of a defensive structure to the midfield. Lerma would have been the perfect weapon against City as he breaks up play well. Without Arter, Bournemouth don't have another such player. Some have suggested Aké could be played in midfield and I wouldn't mind that idea, as Aké does read the game so well and can sense danger quickly.
Whatever Eddie Howe tries, he knows that this is a one-off game that will be like no other in the Premier League for his players. The fact that Man City have had a couple of draws means they don't always find top form, and a defeat is likely to come at some point. Bournemouth's players should be looking at making it as difficult a game as possible for Guardiola and who knows they might be the ones to tumble the City home record with a bit of good fortune.
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| AFCB have to be brave to hold off Man City. |
We can look at the City side and see that even when they have players like de Bruyne and Mendy out ,they still have the reserves of international quality to fit snugly into the same system. Looking for a weakness is very difficult. So Howe may be less concerned with what he can do to combat the skill and technique of some of the world's best players, but might instead just concentrate on what AFCB can do when they do get the ball.
Playing three across the centre of midfield may be the way Howe approaches this match. While Jefferson Lerma is out, Dan Gosling and Lewis Cook look like certain starters, but Surman could also be used to add more of a defensive structure to the midfield. Lerma would have been the perfect weapon against City as he breaks up play well. Without Arter, Bournemouth don't have another such player. Some have suggested Aké could be played in midfield and I wouldn't mind that idea, as Aké does read the game so well and can sense danger quickly.
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With one playing up front it is a hard workload for the striker, and even though King is back and could play as a loan striker, I suspect that Howe will want to play two strikers in this game. Giving Man City something to think about is a plus point. and Bournemouth lplay best when they try to express themselves.
Whatever Eddie Howe tries, he knows that this is a one-off game that will be like no other in the Premier League for his players. The fact that Man City have had a couple of draws means they don't always find top form, and a defeat is likely to come at some point. Bournemouth's players should be looking at making it as difficult a game as possible for Guardiola and who knows they might be the ones to tumble the City home record with a bit of good fortune.
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