1 Momentum
City head into Monday night’s game on the back of three consecutive victories – 3-0, 4-0 and 2-1.
A last-gasp triumph over Swansea should ensure the Blues approach the trip to Dean Court full of confidence.
The Cherries are so far winless in 2017 and conceded six last time out against Everton. Since their last clean sheet – six games ago on New Year’s Eve, they have leaked 13 goals.
Pep Guardiola’s men – in fine goal-scoring form with nine goals in three matches – will be looking to take advantage, particularly with Liverpool and Spurs meeting at Anfield this weekend.
2 Cherry picking?
City have an excellent record against Bournemouth, winning seven of the nine meetings.
The Blues are victorious in all three Premier League encounters, scoring an impressive 13 goals.
The last two clashes have heralded a pair of 4-0 wins – home and away – and Raheem Sterling bagged a hat-trick in 2015’s fixture at the Etihad Stadium.
Same again Monday, lads?
3 Sergio to return?
Lots has been said and written about Sergio Aguero in the past week or so.
Pundits have been falling over themselves to give their opinion about what two appearances on the subs’ bench means for the Argentina star, but Pep Guardiola has always maintained Kun is crucial to his plans.
The boss has been impressed by the form of Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus, but he is likely to shuffle his pack again at Bournemouth.
Sergio will be itching to return to the starting line-up and if he gets the nod, it could be the Bournemouth defenders who pay the price.
4 Kompany to resume comeback?
Like Aguero, Vincent Kompany has had to watch from the bench in the last two games and will be desperate to play.
Whereas he was rushed back in the past, his latest comeback has been managed carefully with a full game at Crystal Palace and a fortnight if training in-between his last appearance and a possible return at the Vitality Stadium.
If he plays and comes through another 90 minutes, the signs will looking very positive for the skipper.
5 Keeper conundrum
Willy or Claudio?
The boss will be well aware that Claudio Bravo won’t have spent too much time on the bench during an illustrious career but Willy Caballero has been excellent since his recall against Crystal Palace.
It would be harsh on Caballero to lose his place at Bournemouth but Pep has said he will use all his squad over the coming weeks with several big games looming.
It will be interesting to see who gets the nod on Monday evening and if it’s Caballero, the Argentine may be set for an extended run between the sticks.
