Manchester City must quickly shift gears after Saturday’s FA Cup final disappointment and lock in on securing Champions League football next season.
Pep Guardiola’s men were edged out 1-0 by Crystal Palace at Wembley, ending the campaign without silverware for the first time since his debut season in 2016/17. Eberechi Eze’s first-half goal proved decisive in a frustrating afternoon for the Blues in the capital.
But there’s no time to dwell. Less than 72 hours after the final whistle at Wembley, City are back at the Etihad in a high-stakes Premier League clash against Bournemouth.
City slipped to sixth in the table over the weekend and now face a crucial battle to secure a top-five finish. Four points from the final two games — tonight’s showdown with the Cherries and a trip to Fulham on the last day — would guarantee Champions League football. In fact, even a single point could be enough, depending on other results.
A win tonight would propel City into third place heading into the final weekend — and put them in the driving seat.
It’s also an emotional night: Kevin De Bruyne will make his final appearance at the Etihad after an extraordinary 10-year career in sky blue. Expect a hero’s send-off for the Belgian maestro, who has defined an era at this club.
Guardiola raised eyebrows with his selection for the Cup final, but rotation is expected this evening. Ederson should return between the sticks, having been benched at Wembley, while Rico Lewis — left out entirely on Saturday — is likely to slot in at right-back.
Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol have been solid at centre-back, and with Manuel Akanji only recently back to fitness, he may sit this one out. That opens the door for another start for young Nico O’Reilly at left-back.
In midfield, Mateo Kovacic could return if fit, and Ilkay Gundogan may start after making a late appearance against Palace. De Bruyne surely starts on his farewell night, and Jeremy Doku has likely done enough to keep his place out wide.
Erling Haaland is still searching for top form, but his presence remains vital, while Phil Foden could return to the XI after Savinho’s underwhelming display in the final.
Jack Grealish and Nico Gonzalez remain out of favour, and Bernardo Silva may be rested ahead of the Fulham clash.
The game could also potentially see a return to the bench for Rodri following his 9 month lay-off with a cruciate ligament injury sustained against Arsenal last year.
Predicted City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Kovacic, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Foden, Doku, Haaland
Match Officials:
• Referee: Thomas Bramall
• Assistants: Nick Hopton, Derek Eaton
• Fourth official: Robert Jones
• VAR: Paul Tierney
• Assistant VAR: Craig Taylor