Man City vs Bournemouth : Etihad Must-Win; Pep Fights Off Chelsea & Villa for UCL Spot

City returns home after their Wembley heartbreak and now needs 3 points to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Bournemouth? They’re still clinging to a slim chance of sneaking into Europe, but they’ll need a miracle and a massive performance at the Etihad.

City beat Bournemouth 2-1 in the FA Cup quarter-final, but Tuesday’s clash is a decider and there’s plenty on the line.

Manchester City have won 4 straight league games at the Etihad, and they’ve scored 2+ goals in each of their last 8 home games against Bournemouth. Kevin De Bruyne is expected to start in what could be his last home match in a City shirt, and don’t be surprised if he signs off in style. 

Bournemouth are still fighting for a place in Europe. They’ve only won 3 of their last 13. Evanilson has 5 goals in his last 5 away starts, which should give them a boost. But they average 1.5 goals conceded per away match in the league They were toothless against 10-man Villa last weekend. If they’re going to surprise City, they’ll need a complete performance and a little luck. 

City are favorites, but they haven’t always kept things tight. Bournemouth have scored in 6 of their last 7 away games, and Evanilson’s recent form makes them a threat. A 3–1 or 4–1 type of game feels possible.

The Norwegian’s been frustrated lately, but this is the kind of game he eats up. Bournemouth have conceded in 9 of their last 10, and Haaland won’t want to end the season quietly.

Palace are dreaming. City are determined. It’s a final that could go down in history for very different reasons. Will it be a first-ever trophy for the Eagles, or another feather in Pep’s cap?