Manchester City face AFC Bournemouth at 16:00 GMT+3 on 23 August 2026 at Etihad Stadium in a Premier League season opener.
Both teams have new managers in charge and the opening weekend meeting could bring goals at both ends after the attacking and defensive numbers from recent games.
Below is the full match preview, predictions and betting analysis.
Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth Tips
- Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth: Both Teams To Score @ with N/A
- Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth: Manchester City 3-1 @ with N/A
- Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth: Phil Foden To Score Anytime @ with N/A
*Odds correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth Odds
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Manchester City |
|
| Draw |
|
| AFC Bournemouth |
|
*Odds correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth Predictions
Goals have arrived regularly in this Etihad meeting
The last five meetings between Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth have seen both teams score, while the Cherries scored and conceded in every pre-season match. The Etihad has also produced plenty of attacking numbers for City, who averaged 2.4 goals per home league game last season.
City’s defensive record during the summer was less convincing, with the Blues conceding in every friendly match, including the Community Shield against Arsenal. The 3-0 defeat to Arsenal was a difficult start for Enzo Maresca after replacing Pep Guardiola, although the opening league fixture brings a different setting.
Bournemouth also have a new manager after Marco Rose replaced Andoni Iraola following his move to Liverpool. Rose’s side had an unbeaten pre-season run before Mainz ended it in their final summer match.
The Cherries scored and conceded in all of their pre-season games, while City have gone six matches without a clean sheet including friendlies. Both Teams To Score is the better bet at 1.57 with both sides carrying recent defensive concerns and this fixture producing goals in each of the last five meetings.
Tip: Both Teams To Score @ with N/A
City’s home record points towards a winning start
Manchester City won 14 of their 19 home league games last season and scored a league-high average of 2.4 goals per match at the Etihad. The Blues also scored exactly three goals in each of their final two friendly matches.
Bournemouth finished last season with a 19-game unbeaten run in normal time across all competitions, but Iraola’s departure brings a new challenge under Marco Rose. The Cherries still arrive with a strong recent run behind them, although City’s home numbers remain a key part of this fixture.
City’s attacking output at home was consistent last term, while Bournemouth’s long unbeaten spell ended with the defeat to Mainz in their final pre-season game. A 3-1 Manchester City win is very appealing at 12.00.
Tip: Manchester City 3-1 @ with N/A
Foden has a chance to make an early statement
Phil Foden is the standout player angle for the anytime goalscorer market after starting against Arsenal in the Community Shield. He looked to have received a fresh opportunity under Maresca after falling out of favour with Guardiola.
Foden registered a couple of attempts against Arsenal and managed one shot on target. After a difficult previous season, the attacking midfielder will be looking to make an impact from the start of the campaign.
Erling Haaland is the obvious goalscorer option, but Foden’s price makes him a more interesting selection. He started against Arsenal and can be backed to score anytime against Bournemouth at 3.40.
Tip: Phil Foden To Score Anytime @ with N/A
