With their season defining Champions League fixture against PSG coming next week, Manchester City face a stern test of their credentials against an in-form Bournemouth side.
Having lost just 1 of their last 5 fixtures in the EPL, the Premier League newcomers are coming into this game in fine form. Benik Afobe is the main reason for their form, as the former Arsenal striker is giving Bournemouth plenty of boost up-front.
However, with a gap in quality quite evident, Manchester City should come out of this fixture with a victory. They have many reasons to be on their toes after their defeat in the derby a fortnight ago.
Courtesy of a Marcos Rashford goal that day, The Citizens are currently sitting just 1-point above both West Ham and Manchester United in the 4th spot. Thus, for a team that was fighting for the title not so long ago, Manchester City have fallen below expectations in the final stages of this season.
A negative result against Bournemouth would seriously endanger their chances of reaching the Champions League next season, which could in turn hurt their transfer efforts, as players would shy away from a team with no CL prospects. Thus, Manchester City know that winning is the only choice.
