Manchester City begin the Enzo Maresca era as they face Bournemouth in their opening game of the new Premier League season.
City fell to a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield last week but hopes remain high at the Etihad, with Maresca’s side expected to challenge for the league once again this term.
However, the loss of players such as Rodri and Bernardo Silva has left the squad light in some areas, with City looking to add notable reinforcements in the last week or so of the transfer window.
Marco Rose is another manager who will be taking charge of his new side for the first time in a competitive fixture this weekend, and there may be a chance for the Cherries to get off to the perfect start this weekend against an unsettled City side.
Follow all the latest build-up, team news and updates from the Etihad below:
Fans arriving at Etihad
Supporters of both clubs have arrived at the Etihad Stadium ahead of kick off at 2pm.
Enzo Maresca says it is a ‘very good feeling’ to lead the team for their first home game in the Premier League this season.
Match stats
Bournemouth manager Marco Rose is the fifth manager to play his first Premier League game at the Etihad. None of the four previous managers managed to win in their respective debuts!
In fact, the Cherries have won their opening game in just two of their nine Premier League campaigns.
Why is the Man City 115 charges case taking so long?
Something else that threatens to hang over City as the season goes on…
A 12-week hearing into the allegations, which City have always strenuously denied, concluded in December 2024.
Man City agree deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi
Some interesting transfer news for City ahead of kick-off too…
Manchester City are just under an hour away from kicking off their 2026/27 Premier League campaign but they’re still in the transfer business.
And, City fans have a reason to be optimistic as the club have agreed a deal with Lille for teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Sky Sports News report that the fee is for €100m split as a €95m price with €5m in potential add ons.
City are also in the brink of selling Savinho to Spurs in a £75m move. Also rumoured with an exit is Omar Marmoush (Tottenham is the likely destination) but he has been included in Enzo Maresca’s squad for today’s clash with Bournemouth.
Match stats
City have won all nine of their Premier League home games against Bournemouth by an aggregate score of 34-6.
In addition, the Cityzens have won their opening game in 14 of the last 15 seasons, with the only loss coming in 2021/22 against Spurs.
Manchester City target Brazilian winger as Savinho replacement
With City still looking for reinforcements this summer, a deal for a little-known Brazilian winger could be on the cards…
Manchester City are interested in Brazilian winger Allan as they look for a replacement for Savinho.
The Palmeiras player has a €100m release clause in his contract, though City could look to secure him for a lower fee.
They have begun their search for further forwards as they are in talks with Tottenham to sell Savinho and Omar Marmoush in a double deal that could bring them in well over £100m.
Maresca says City’s aim is to compete
Enzo Maresca spoke about what the aim is for Man City this season.
“At the beginning of the season you don’t set targets in terms of trophies,” he said.
“The target since day one has been quite clear with the club and the players, it’s to compete. You arrive in March and April to be there and then we will see what happens.”
Erling Haaland stuns Man City team-mates with new look for Premier League season
The 26-year-old Norway star, whose flowing blond hair has become as central to his Viking image as his record-breaking scoring feats, unveiled a “military-style buzz-cut” before City’s opening game of the season against Bournemouth on Sunday.
Expect goals for the hosts
Manchester City have won all nine of their Premier League home games against Bournemouth by an aggregate score of 34-6.
They have scored an average 3.8 goals per game when hosting the Cherries in the competition which is their highest average against any opponent on home soil.
