There have been times when Bournemouth have travelled to the Etihad expecting to be on the back of a whipping by Pep Guardiola's side. It will be a feather in Jason Tndall's hat if he can pull off Bournemouth's first win against Man City and he will be conscious that it is a hurdle that could well free up any doubts Bournemouth players have in how far they can go in competitions if they can get a win.
Okay, it's the Carabao Cup and not the league and Man City will probably field a bunch of academy players. It is the mental hurdle of beating a top club that would give Bournemouth's players a boost. They showed that last time at the Etihad they could push City all the way and they are in a better state now I believe with the good start to the season they have made.
There is a possibility that Nathan Aké will be involved for Man City and that could add a bit of spice to the game. Bournemouth's players would no doubt like to get one over on Aké and we could see Dominic Solanke coming up against Aké. I suppose Aké is under a fair bit of pressure as a new player at Man City and that could be helpful to our players that know his game inside out.
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Although the number of games goes up the better you do in cup competitions I don't think the Cherries will be looking for an early exit. More time on the pitch builds comradery and experience and against top sides like Man City, the team will learn where they are not doing well enough.
All in all, these are the games Bournemouth fans got very excited about no less than six or seven years ago, and having been in the Premier League these matches don't seem so unique anymore. Still, tonight's match doesn't mean any less if Bournemouth can topple a big named team. Bournemouth hasn't done so much giant-killing in recent years and has tended to falter at this stage when facing a top-six side. JT will be hoping that for once they can overcome such a challenge and be on a real high going into the league match against Norwich City at the weekend.
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