Bournemouth v Manchester City preview: Eddie Howe faces defensive dilemma

Eddie Howe could be without three Bournemouth defenders when Manchester City visit the Vitality Stadium on Monday Night Football, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm.

The Cherries boss has concerns over Simon Francis, Charlie Daniels and Adam Smith, with Francis and Daniels battling hamstring injuries.

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Smith is also a doubt after missing last weekend's defeat at Everton, meaning Howe may be forced into a defensive reshuffle ahead of City's visit.

Pep Guardiola's side edged past Swansea thanks to Gabriel Jesus' double, and the Brazil international may again be preferred to Sergio Aguero in attack.

The visitors, who will take a break from league action to resume FA Cup and Champions League campaigns after their trip to the south coast, are looking to win four games in a row for the first time since September.

Team news

Aside from Bournemouth's defensive headache, the hosts will definitely be without Callum Wilson.

The striker underwent surgery on Thursday and remains sidelined for the rest of the season with a long-term knee injury.

Guardiola has a fully-fit Man City squad to choose from, and plans to make a call on his starting goalkeeper on the day of the match.

Willy Caballero has started City's last three games since replacing Claudio Bravo, keeping clean sheets in two.

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How to watch

Coverage of Monday Night Football with Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville starts at 7pm live on Sky Sports 1 and you can also watch all the action in UHD via Sky Q.

Not able to watch the game? Sky Sports still has you covered, with minute-by-minute commentary across all digital platforms as well as in-game clips, half-time and full-time highlights available on the mobile app and in the Football Score Centre with a free Sky iD.

You can also get a NOW TV Sky Sports Day Pass and watch Bournemouth v Man City for just £6.99 with no contract.

Opta stats

Manchester City have never lost to Bournemouth in a league game, winning seven and drawing two.

Bournemouth have lost all three of their Premier League games against Man City, scoring once and conceding 13 goals.

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Bournemouth have conceded four or more goals in their last three top-flight games against the Citizens. The last team to do so in four consecutive top-flight games against an opponent was Watford against Everton between 1984 and 1985.

Bournemouth have lost all three of their Premier League games on a Monday without scoring a goal, while Man City have won 10 of their last 13 (L3) played on a Monday.

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Raheem Sterling's first Premier League hat-trick came against the Cherries in October 2015, helping City to a 5-1 victory at the Etihad. Indeed, Sterling has notched four goals in two Premier League games against them, averaging a goal every 42 minutes.

Gabriel Jesus has scored in both of his first two Premier League starts for Man City. The only players to score on their first three Premier League starts for the club are Emmanuel Adebayor (4 in 2009) and Kevin de Bruyne (3 in 2015).

Jesus is averaging a goal or assist every 47 minutes in his Premier League career so far, scoring three goals and assisting once in 188 minutes of action.

Bournemouth have conceded the most league goals in 2017 (16), four more than any other side.

Although Man City have received the most red cards in the Premier League this season (4), all four have come in home games. Their last away dismissal in the top-flight came in November 2014 against Southampton, with Eliaqium Mangala sent off.

Merson's prediction

Bournemouth let in too many goals for my liking. They're letting three or four goals in every week virtually. I cannot see anything other than a City win.

I know it's early days but Jesus' start has been nothing short of incredible. Some of the things he does on the ball are unbelievable - he is light-years ahead of any young player I've seen. Bournemouth simply won't be able to cope with him, or the other City attackers.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-3 (9/1 with Sky Bet)

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Betting

Manchester City are Sky Bet's 4/9 favourites for the victory, with Bournemouth up against odds of 11/2 while the draw is priced at 18/5.

Goals are expected to be on the cards with two or less priced at 6/4, while City are just 11/10 to win by two or more. Sky Bet find it impossible to pick a favourite in the first goalscorer market with Aguero and Jesus both 3/1, while Joshua King and Benik Afobe are 9/1 apiece.

All of the Soccer Saturday pundits are backing Jesus to break the deadlock, including Charlie Nicholas' Sky Bet tip for him to net first in a 4-1 triumph at 40/1.