Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero has had a injury plagued season so far Getty

Bournemouth host Manchester City at the Dean Court on Saturday, 2 April with the Citizens struggling to carve out results. They have drawn two and lost one in their last three games in all competitions and need to get back in form if they have to challenge for a place in the top four.

Where to watch

Kick-off is set for 3pm BST. Highlights of the game will be available on BBC Match of the Day at 10.25pm BST on BBC One.

Overview

Bournemouth were pulverised by Tottenham the last time Eddie Howe's men set foot in the league where a brace by Harry Kane and another by Christian Eriksen put them to the sword. However, barring the defeat, they have been in good form, winning three on the bounce before the trip to White Hart Lane, which has all but confirmed that they will stay in the Premier League next season.

Howe agreed that Tottenham were the best team they have faced in the entire campaign and the results over two games, home and away tilt the tide heavily in the north Londoners favour. However, they will be desperate to get back on track and a match-up against a under the cosh Manchester City side.

Meanwhile, City are reeling under a series of injuries at the back with Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart out of the fixture. Martin Demichelis has been in woeful form, but Nicolas Otamendi is likely to come back into the squad after recovering from a niggle, which kept him out in the clash against Manchester United.

Manuel Pellegrini looks like a man who will be out of a job after the end of the season, as it has been confirmed that Pep Guardiola will take over at the Etihad at the end of the current season. Their 1-0 loss to United at the Etihad before the international break has all but ended their hopes of winning the title and are currently hanging on to a top-four spot, with United and West Ham trailing.

What managers say

Eddie Howe: "[On the 5-1 defeat at the Etihad laast October] "I think naturally we have moved on, hopefully for the better but that will be tested in the performance. That game was a difficult one for us. We conceded very early and when you go away it does make it more difficult. The key thing is we learned from that and we have become a better team for the experience. I still feel the players are confident despite the Tottenham game (3-0 loss at White Hart Lane in last match before international break), which was a really disappointing performance. We still feel as though we need results and points. I don't think we can afford to step off, and we will try and deliver."

Manuel Pellegrini: "Kevin De Bruyne worked the whole week with no problem - of course he has been out for a while. Same with Samir Nasri. I'm not 100% sure but I think it will be difficult for Joe or Yaya to play against PSG."

Betting odds (betfair)

  • Bournemouth win: 11/4
  • Draw: 13/5
  • Manchester City win: 21/20

Team news

Bournemouth

Possible XI: Boruc; Smith, Francis, Cook, Daniels; Ritchie, Gosling, Surman, Gradel; King, Afobe.

Manchester City

Possible XI: Caballero; Zabaleta, Otamendi, Mangala, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Fernando; Navas, Toure, Silva; Aguero.

Manchester City FC