Ahead of the game at the Etihad, we chat to Jonny Gilder of Read Bournemouth to get all the vital information on City’s opponents.
How would you sum up Bournemouth’s start to the season?
Bournemouth have made a positive start to the season with eight points from eight games, including two decent wins. One thing that has been a strength for Bournemouth so far is that we haven’t had trouble finding the back of the net having scored 10 goals already, however 50% of those goals have come from the now injured Callum Wilson.
Matt Ritchie has been in fine goalscoring form, is he someone you think could cause City problems on Saturday?
Matt Ritchie is a technically gifted player as he has shown in the Premier League this season, in particular *that* goal against Sunderland which is undoubtedly one of the goals of the season so far. If Ritchie is given too much time and space and is allowed to cut in on his left foot then Man City will put themselves under threat of a long range strike.
It’s not been good on the injury front for you guys. Both Max Gradel and Callum Wilson have picked up severe injuries. How big a loss are those two in what will undoubtedly be a tough season in the Premier League?
Along with those devastating injuries Bournemouth have had two other key members of the team ruled out with long term injuries in skipper Tommy Elphick and record signing Tyrone Mings, so those injuries have been hard to stomach but so far we’ve managed to cope in their absence, still scoring goals, creating chances and playing fairly soundly at the back.
What did you make of the business done by Bournemouth this summer?
I was very impressed with Bournemouth’s business in the summer with some less high profile signings looking like they will be crucial. Glenn Murray was originally signed as competition for Callum Wilson but now finds himself leading the line and in his first start for the club he found the net so hopefully Murray can continue to score the goals.
Just how highly do you rate Eddie Howe as a coach?
Every Bournemouth fan rates Eddie Howe extremely highly simply for what he has achieved with us. Winning the Championship and gaining promotion will be thought of fondly by fans regardless of what happens this season. Howe was rewarded just yesterday with a new contract for all that he has done for the Cherries. He must be considered a contender for the England job in the future.
Former City player Sylvain Distin is likely to receive a warm welcome for the game on Saturday. How has he been for you?
Sylvain Distin is another shrewd yet crucial signing for the Cherries because when Tommy Elphick was injured against West Ham, Distin came in and has performed brilliantly so far. His age may show against the pace of Man City however.
Which City player do you fear the most?
If you’d asked me that question a few days ago I would’ve straight up said Sergio Aguero after his five goals against Newcastle, however after his injury I would have to say Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgium seems to have it all with pace, goal-scoring ability and eye of the needle vision.
Finally can we get a prediction from you for Saturday’s game?
I think it depends which Man City turns up, if it is the one that played so poorly against West Ham and Spurs then Bournemouth could easily grab a win here, we shouldn’t be underestimated. However if it is the Man City that destroyed Newcastle and started the season so strongly then Bournemouth will have a job on their hands. I will optimistically go for 1-0 to Bournemouth.
