Bournemouth v Manchester City: FA Cup quarter-final – live

Good afternoon and welcome to the final and most anticipated of this year’s FA Cup quarter-finals. When Manchester City last visited Bournemouth on November 2nd, the landscape of English football experienced a seismic shift.

City entered that match as league leaders, boasting seven victories in their initial nine fixtures, while Bournemouth occupied a modest mid-table position. However, Bournemouth defied expectations, securing a 2-1 triumph. This result propelled Liverpool to the league summit as City relinquished their perch. Subsequently, Manchester City endured a slump, failing to regain their early season form. Since that pivotal day, they have only managed to secure seven additional league wins, positioning them as the 13th-best performing team in the division – even trailing behind Manchester United.

The FA Cup now represents the sole remaining opportunity for Pep Guardiola to salvage silverware from what has been a turbulent season. Their struggles have not yet extended to this competition, although it is worth noting that all three previous opponents were from lower leagues. Orient and Plymouth both managed to take the lead against Manchester City. Bournemouth, despite missing two key players through suspension, and currently on a five-game winless streak, are anticipated to pose a significantly sterner challenge. Their high-pressing style and ability to capitalize on defensive errors make them a team that City currently find difficult to overcome.

The conditions are ideal – a sunny day on the south coast during British Summer Time. However, the 4:30 PM kickoff will feel earlier at 3:30 PM. Stay tuned for live updates.

For Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has opted for experienced players, including Gundogan, De Bruyne, Kovacic, and Silva. Notably, he has chosen not to field a natural winger, suggesting De Bruyne may operate on the left flank.

The draw for the FA Cup semi-finals has already been conducted. The winner of this match will face Nottingham Forest. The other semi-final will be contested between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. While each of these teams may view this as a favorable opportunity against a Manchester City side that has been inconsistent in recent months, City’s extensive experience at Wembley Stadium could still make them the team to beat.

Pre-match analysis. Explore Will Unwin’s insights into Manchester City’s current form and the potential futures of key players.

Mark Pougatch notes Pep Guardiola’s awareness of the significance of this FA Cup fixture. In a pre-match interview, Guardiola was initially asked about his team’s sentiment returning to Bournemouth. After a momentary pause, Guardiola offered a smile, described as a mix of affability and intimidation, before stating, “Nothing special.”

Guardiola offered a more expansive response when questioned about Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola. “He is demonstrating his exceptional quality,” Guardiola remarked. “[Bournemouth are] captivating to watch, with incredible intensity. He performed admirably in Spain with Vallecano and is now replicating that success here.”

Reader Email: Peter Oh humorously observes, “As the City players check their wrists for British Summer Time, they’re cruelly reminded about not getting new watches this season.”

The players are making their way onto the field, with Lewis Cook and Kevin De Bruyne leading their respective teams. Commentary from Roy Keane expresses reservations about Kepa Arrizabalaga’s performance, consistent with his critical views on most players it seems.

Bright sunshine illuminates the pitch, resembling a vibrant green chessboard, while the crowd generates a cheerful and energetic atmosphere.

1 min: City initiates the match, passing back to Ederson. His attempted long ball goes directly out of play.

2 min: Ederson repeats the previous action, kicking the ball out once more. This pattern might be a deliberate tactic.

3 min: Ederson’s errant passing continues, making it a hat-trick of poor kicks, although this time he was under pressure from Bournemouth players.

4 min: A sprint between Khusanov and Kluivert concludes in a stalemate, resulting in a corner kick for Bournemouth.

5 min: Kluivert takes the corner short. City’s defense clears the immediate danger without significant trouble.

5 min: City manage a spell of passes, but Bournemouth regain possession. Gundogan commits a foul, risking an early yellow card.

8 min: Another inaccurate kick from Ederson, this time remaining in play but directed centrally towards a Bournemouth player who is promptly fouled. Free kick for Bournemouth from 30 yards… Kluivert’s subsequent attempt flies high and wide.