Josko Gvardiol earned all three points for Manchester City against an inspired Bournemouth with a dramatic late goal to secure a 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium to earn Enzo Maresca his first Premier League win in charge of his new club .
Marcus Tavernier gave Bournemouth the lead against in the first match of Marco Rose’s tenure after the Cherries capitalised on some poor defending from City. A long ball was held up and sent over to Evanilson on the right who supplied a perfect cross for Tavernier to fire home.
City continued to push for an equaliser throughout the second half with Maresca calling on substitutes Jack Grealish and Rayan Cherki to change the momentum. Yet it was Marc Guehi who powered home a header to equalise with five minutes of the 90 remaining.
And City were to cause more dramatics with Gvardiol moving swiftly into to meet a low cross and whip home the winning goal. His strike was initially ruled out for offside before a VAR check overturned the decision to give City, and Maresca, a winning start to the season.
Follow all the latest updates from the Etihad below:
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Manchester City vs Bournemouth LIVE
- Man City defeat Bournemouth 2-1 in dramatic Premier League clash | Live on Sky Sports
- 90+2' GOAL! Gvardiol slots in late winner for City [MCI 2-1 BOU]
- 85' GOAL! Guehi's header brings late equaliser for hosts [MCI 1-1 BOU]
- 26' GOAL! Tavernier fires Bournemouth in lead [MCI 0-1 BOU]
- 13' CHANCE! Haaland meets O'Reilly's cross but mishandles his effort [MCI 0-0 BOU]
- 4' CLOSE! Petrovic denies Lewis at close range [MCI 0-0 BOU]
City end Bournemouth's run
16:10 , Mike JonesBournemouth had been unbeaten since January but that run of 18 games without defeat is over.
The Cherries were stubborn and composed but a couple of momentary lapses has cost them late in the game.
Marco Rose was so close to a perfect start as Bournemouth boss but it was Enzo Maresca who took the spoils.
City have got away with one
16:01 , Mike JonesHere’s Paul Robinson, former England goalkeeper, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live.
He said: “It's a brilliant goal and it's that man Rayan Cherki, you can only question why he has not started this game.
“He pokes it through the gap in the Bournemouth defence and Josko Gvardiol's first touch is equally as good. Then in one swift move he swivels and puts it in the corner.
“It looks like Man City have got away with one.”
FULL-TIME! Man City 2-1 Bournemouth
15:56 , Chris WilsonThe full-time whistle goes and Manchester City have a hard-fought win in their first game under Enzo Maresca!
The Italian might not be too happy with the performance overall but he’ll love what he saw in terms of City’s attitude, and he can take encouragement from some aspects of the performance.
As for Marco Rose, it’s so disappointing to lose in that manner, but he will also take a lot of encouragement from what he saw this afternoon.
Man City 2-1 Bournemouth
15:55 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
Bournemouth win a free-kick but the flag goes up for offside, and that should be that!
GOAL! Man City 2-1 Bournemouth (Gvardiol, 90 +2')
15:54 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
GOAL! Gvardiol has surely won it!
It’s a lovely move too, with Cherki picking the ball up and evading the challenge before sliding a perfect ball into the path of Gvardiol.
He’s been sent clean through but it’s still a great finish as he fires low past Petrovic for 2-1!
DISALLOWED GOAL! Man City 1-1 Bournemouth
15:52 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
City have a goal disallowed as Gvardiol is flagged offside.
However, this looks like he could be on...
Man City 1-1 Bournemouth
15:51 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Just three added minutes in this one, which seems a little low.
City are in possession and threatening...
Man City 1-1 Bournemouth
15:50 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Gannon-Doak’s first involvement is to clip a cross straight to Donnarumma. The Cherries had men in the box there!
City counter but it breaks down as Cherki’s ball towards Grealish has too much on it.
Man City 1-1 Bournemouth
15:49 , Chris Wilson87 mins
Jebbison almost wins the long ball to send himself through but there’s a defender there to cover.
Bournemouth are enjoying a bit of possession here, with the Cherries clearly aware that sitting back against City would be a dangerous idea.
Marco Rose brings on Ben Gannon-Doak for Rayan.
Man City 1-1 Bournemouth
15:47 , Chris Wilson86 mins
Plenty of confidence in City now, though Bournemouth have wasted a couple of openings since the equaliser.
There’s plenty of noise around the Etihad now!
GOAL! Man City 1-1 Bournemouth (Guehi, 85')
15:46 , Chris Wilson85 mins
GOAL! It’s been coming, and City are level!
It’s so simple in the end too, with the corner whipped in towards Guehi.
He’s unmarked in the middle of the box and he powers a simple header past Petrovic to level it!
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:44 , Chris Wilson83 mins
Almost an opening from Haaland as he wins the ball on the bounce and drives clear. He’s under pressure from three Bournemouth defenders though, and he eventually loses out.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:43 , Chris Wilson81 mins
A change for City as Grealish comes on for Foden, with the former Villa man making his first City appearance since 2025!
The England man is on the left, with Semenyo moving to the right.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:42 , Chris Wilson80 mins
A bit of a delay as the two groups of players clash before the corner, but there’s nothing serious before the ball in is cleared.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:41 , Chris Wilson78 mins
CHANCE! It’s a chance for Bournemouth, as the ball is swung in and Jebbison heads it towards goal at the near post.
It’s a good effort but Donnarumma is equal to it.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:39 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Bournemouth have settled a little after that spell of City pressure, but in truth they look happy to sit back and defend their lead.
They do win a free-kick in a dangerous area though, with Foden going into the book for a late challenge.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:37 , Chris Wilson76 mins
Bournemouth have barely had a sniff in attack over the last 10 minutes or so, and Rose decides to make some changes.
It’s a triple sub, with Cook, Kluivert and Evanilson off for Tyler Adams, Daniel Jebbison and Alex Tóth.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:36 , Chris Wilson75 mins
CHANCE! Another chance for City as Guehi picks up the ball in the box after a clever one-two.
He makes it to the byline and cuts it back to Haaland. it’s behind the striker but he manages to fire it towards goal, though Petrovic has it covered.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:33 , Chris Wilson72 mins
CLOSE! A great move from City, with Nunes playing it into Foden, who does well to get it into the box.
There are so many Bournemouth defenders in the area but Cherki manages to slip it to Haaland, who can only fire a shot over when off-balance.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:31 , Chris Wilson70 mins
Guehi slides a lovely ball into the path of Cherki but it’s a little over-hit, and the Frenchman’s cutback is cleared.
City are starting to turn the screw here though.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:30 , Chris Wilson69 mins
Half a chance for Foden now as he receives the ball in space near the 18-yard line.
He opens his body up to find the far corner but it’s deflected behind.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:29 , Chris Wilson68 mins
CLOSE! Bournemouth are caught out playing it out from the back and Semenyo almost makes them pay!
The challenge comes in near the edge of their box and it runs to Cherki, who slips it to Semenyo on the left.
He works the space and fires a low effort across goal that Petrovic does well to get a strong hand to.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:27 , Chris Wilson66 mins
Good ‘keeping from Petrovic now as he reads it well and is off his line quickly to gather Haaland’s cross towards Foden.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:26 , Chris Wilson65 mins
City fans will be pleased to see Cherki coming on given his creative abilities, but he’ll need to inject some fire into this City team.
At the other end, Rayan gets free but it’s wasteful as he overruns it rather than crossing.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:24 , Chris Wilson63 mins
Anderson does indeed come off, and he’s replaced by Mateo Kovacic.
Rayan Cherki also comes on, with the Frenchman replacing O’Reilly.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:23 , Chris Wilson61 mins
Anderson is briefly down after a clash with Tavernier and it looks like he’ll be forced off here.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:19 , Chris Wilson58 mins
Better from City as Nunes gets free on the right and clips in a cross towards Haaland.
Smith does enough to put the striker off, and Semenyo can’t turn it towards goal as he arrives at the back post.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:17 , Chris Wilson56 mins
The first change of the day for City as Matheus Nunes comes on for Rico Lewis.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:16 , Chris Wilson53 mins
That chance has given City plenty of confidence, though a chance goes begging as Smith does well to get in front of Semenyo before he’s fouled by his former teammate.
At the other end, a poor pass almost allowed the Cherries to mount an attack, but the pass was poor from Rayan.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:13 , Chris Wilson51 mins
CHANCE! What a chance for City to level it!
The corner is swung in and it’s a great delivery towards the far post.
Petrovic comes for it but gets his legs tangled up and falls, giving Guehi a chance to nod into an empty net!
The England man lines it up but he misjudges it and glances it wide of the far post.
It was almost harder to miss than to score!
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:11 , Chris Wilson49 mins
Neither side has got into a rhythm yet, which is highlighted by Foden clipping a long pass straight out of play.
Bournemouth are happy to sit in for now.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:09 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Plenty of possession to start the half for City.
KICK-OFF! Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:06 , Chris WilsonBack underway at the Etihad!
No changes for either side.
HALF-TIME! Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:06 , Chris WilsonAs Richards pointed out, it has been a disappointing first half for City, though not as bad as his quote makes it seem.
The hosts started off very well and were unlucky not to be ahead by the time they conceded, and at times they threatened.
However, defensively they have struggled at times, while in midfield the Guehi experiment doesn’t seem to have worked.
They’ve got plenty to do, but with Foden and Haaland looking dangerous, they’ll know they have enough on the pitch to win this.
It could be that any changes Maresca makes hold the key, and we’ll find out soon.
HALF-TIME! Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
15:03 , Chris Wilson“The whole point of Guehi playing in midfield is to protect the back four, but he is ahead of the ball - it has been shocking from City at times,” says Micah Richards on Sky.
“It is not working, it is odd - he took a gamble, but it has not worked and it just does not look right,” added the former City man.
HALF-TIME! Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
14:58 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
14:53 , Chris WilsonThat’s the last action of the half, and City go into the break trailing 1-0!
Not what was expected after a great start from the home side, but Bournemouth got back into the game and settled before scoring a brilliant opener.
The Cherries probably deserve the lead on balance, but they’ve got plenty to do if they want to preserve this lead.
As for City, they know they’ll get their chances, but they have to be more inventive and clinical in the second half.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
14:51 , Chris Wilson45 +2 mins
Calls for a penalty for City as Haaland heads it down into the path of Lewis, who goes down under the challenge from Scott.
It’s waved away.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
14:50 , Chris Wilson45 +1 mins
Just the one minute of added time here as Petrovic collects the ball in from deep.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
14:49 , Chris Wilson45 mins
We have a break in play here as Haaland and Evanilson are down. Kluivert put in a poor challenge on Haaland there.
Evanilson is the only player who comes out with a booking though.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
14:48 , Chris Wilson44 mins
More pressure from City but it’s a little too pedestrian at the moment. They might need a moment from one of their main men to unlock this on.
Haaland almost gets a chance as the ball falls to him from the corner, but he’s off-balance and can only scoop it wide.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
14:46 , Chris Wilson41 mins
CHANCE! Another chance for the Cherries!
Rayan picks it up on the right and plays the diagonal pass to Kluivert, who’s lost his marker in the box.
The angle is tight and he goes low, forcing a good save from Donnarumma, who did well to push it away from any of the Bournemouth players in the area.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
14:44 , Chris Wilson40 mins
CHANCE! Bournemouth go up the other end and it’s not too far off 2-0!
The Cherries counter and Rayan fizzes a cross-field pass to Tavernier. He’s 25 yards out (or so) but he has little support so opts for the shot, wrapping his foot around it but firing wide of the far post!
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
14:43 , Chris Wilson39 mins
CHANCE! The ball is swung in towards Haaland near the penalty spot and the striker glances it towards goal, but Petrovic is equal to it and the corner is cleared.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
14:40 , Chris Wilson36 mins
Dangerous from city, as O’Reilly gets free down the left once more before clipping a cross to the back post.
Foden is there unmarked but the ball just had a little too much on it!
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
14:38 , Chris Wilson34 mins
The game has been turned on its head now, with City enjoying all the possession but the visitors looking very dangerous on the counter.
City aren’t creating enough at the moment but they’ve had some dangerous moments, so are just lacking the final ball.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
14:36 , Chris Wilson31 mins
It’s all City at the moment, though Bournemouth do threaten as Rayan is almost played clean through from inside the Cherries’ half.
It’s a footrace between the Brazilian and the retreating Gvardiol, but the City man does brilliantly to slide in and avert the danger.
Man City 0-1 Bournemouth
14:33 , Chris Wilson29 mins
City are trying to get back into it and they think they have a shout for a penalty as Semenyo is dragged back, but it was soft.
The hosts come again and Lewis does well to win it in the box, but Guehi is surrounded by bodies and can’t keep possession.
GOAL! Man City 0-1 Bournemouth (Tavernier, 26')
14:31 , Chris Wilson26 mins
GOAL! It’s against the run of play but the Cherries are ahead.
Smith plays a long ball forward and the City defenders get mixed up trying to clear, allowing Rayan to pounce on it.
He lays it wide to Evanilson and the Brazilian plays an inch-perfect first-time cross to the back post, where Marcus Tavernier is there to fire past Donnarumma!
Man City 0-0 Bournemouth
14:26 , Chris Wilson23 mins
City definitely look the more dangerous of the two sides but Bournemouth have grown into the game after looking shaky early on.
Kluivert gets away down the right but his cross towards Scott doesn’t have enough on it.
Man City 0-0 Bournemouth
14:24 , Chris Wilson21 mins
Good covering from Truffert there as he gets across to clear a dangerous through ball into the path of Haaland.
There’s a break in play as Rayan is down, but he’s okay to carry on.
Man City 0-0 Bournemouth
14:21 , Chris Wilson18 mins
Foden’s been full of life early on and he does well to win a corner.
He swings it in and it’s a good delivery, but Petrovic punches clear before Kluivert wins a free-kick.
Man City 0-0 Bournemouth
14:18 , Chris Wilson15 mins
Positive from Bournemouth now as Rayan leads the charge, driving into the box before seeing a near-post effort palmed out by Donnarumma.
Man City 0-0 Bournemouth
14:18 , Chris Wilson13 mins
CLOSE! How has this not ended up in the net?
City counter, led by O’Reilly as he powers past Cook on the wing.
He gets a great cross in and it sails into the path of Haaland about six yards out, but he misjudges it and it seems to come off his stomach before the Cherries clear!
Man City 0-0 Bournemouth
14:16 , Chris Wilson12 mins
The Cherries threaten for the first time as it’s sprayed out wide to Rayan, but Smith’s eventual cross is easily collected by Donnarumma.
Man City 0-0 Bournemouth
14:15 , Chris Wilson11 mins
Bournemouth have just enjoyed their first real spell of possession, though nothing came of it in the end. It’s managed to take the sting out of City for now though.
Man City 0-0 Bournemouth
14:13 , Chris Wilson8 mins
Semenyo gives it away cheaply and Bournemouth briefly look threatening but Anderson gets back well to cover and clear the danger.
Man City 0-0 Bournemouth
14:10 , Chris Wilson6 mins
It’s been a good start for City, who look particularly dangerous on the break. They’re being afforded a lot of space by the Cherries.
Semenyo does well to win a free-kick on the wing but it’s a poor delivery and Smith heads clear.
Man City 0-0 Bournemouth
14:08 , Chris Wilson4 mins
CLOSE! What a goal this would’ve been!
Haaland wins it in his own half and drives towards the box. He plays in Foden in the box and the England man produces a brilliant back-heel flick to play in Rico Lewis, who sees his effort closed down well by Petrovic.
Nothing comes of the corner as it’s headed over.
Man City 0-0 Bournemouth
14:07 , Chris Wilson3 mins
Foden releases Haaland and the City striker plays it into space for O’Reilly.
He briefly looks clean through but Smith gets back well and wins an admittedly soft free-kick.
Man City 0-0 Bournemouth
14:05 , Chris Wilson2 mins
It looks like Foden has started on the right, with Semenyo on the left. Rico Lewis seems to be at right-back, with Guehi perhaps in midfield!
Some surprises already from Maresca.
KICK-OFF! Man City 0-0 Bournemouth
14:04 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at the Etihad! The visitors get us started.
Manchester City vs Bournemouth LIVE
13:57 , Chris WilsonThe players are out of the tunnel at the Etihad, and we’ll be underway in the next few minutes!
Maresca: 'We are trying to find a solution'
13:55 , Chris Wilson“It's a big emotion, a nice feeling, a very nice feeling. It's the first game at home in front of our fans, so hopefully we can give them the three points,” says Enzo Maresca on Sky.
"We are trying to find a solution [to not having Doku]. We are still in the early stages of the season, so we need a solution. I need to see different things.
“Today we're going to try to, first of all, win the game, that is the most important thing, and also to see a different solution.
“We are happy with Elliot, but for sure, as we know, Rodri is a big player, but he's already gone, so now the focus is on the ones that are here with us and the ones that will probably arrive.
“I joined the club one month ago, we are trying to work and find a new solution. Again, I don't have any doubt that we're going to be better and better and better, but at the same moment we need to compete and try to win games.
“It's a team [Bournemouth] that was already aggressive in the past. They still are very aggressive and we need to be ready. We need to do exactly the same when they have the ball. We need to try to be aggressive, win the ball back as soon as possible and try to do our game,” he added.
Match stats
13:51 , Chris WilsonPerhaps a worrying one for Bournemouth here...
Erling Haaland has scored 22 goals in 14 appearances in the month of August, with an average of a goal every 54 minutes in the opening month of the season!
Manchester City vs Bournemouth LIVE
13:48 , Chris Wilson
Rose: 'We want to see our principles'
13:44 , Chris Wilson“We know that we face a tough opposition, but we want to see our principles,” says Marco Rose ahead of kick-off on Sky.
“Be front-footed, you just need to find the right triggers, and then we’ll have to defend in general as a team.
“We didn’t speak about it [Haaland] because we have to defend so many players. They’re a top team. We need high intensity, that’s what we spoke about mostly,” he adds as he finished.
Match stats
13:40 , Chris WilsonCity’s only defeats at the Etihad last season came in the first and last home fixtures, losing 2-0 to Spurs in August and 2-1 to Villa on the final day of the season.
Bournemouth lost none of their final 18 Premier League games last season under Iraola, though new manager Marco Rose will surely present a different type of opposition than rivals have become used to.
Another season to remember for Bournemouth?
13:36 , Chris WilsonNaturally, there will be plenty of eyes on City this afternoon as they face their first game in 10 years without Pep Guardiola at the helm, but today’s visitors are also set for a fascinating campaign.
Last season was one to remember for the Cherries as they finished sixth to secure a spot in the Europa League, marking their first ever appearance in European competition.
New manager Marco Rose arrives with plenty of experience – including a stint at Borussia Dortmund – and while there have been notable exits (including Andoni Iraola and Marco Senesi) hopes remain high on the south coast.
There’ll be twists and turns as the Cherries adjust to the dual demands of domestic and European football, but it feels like it’ll be another season to remember at the Vitality.
Fans arriving at Etihad
13:31 , Mike JonesSupporters 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
13:31 , Chris WilsonBournemouth 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?
13:26 , Chris WilsonSomething else that threatens to hang over City as the season goes on...
Another Premier League season is set to kick off without a resolution to Manchester City’s financial charges.
In February 2023, Manchester City were charged with more than 100 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.
A 12-week hearing into the allegations, which City have always strenuously denied, concluded in December 2024.
Why is the Man City 115 charges case taking so long?
Man City agree deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi
13:21 , Michael JonesSome 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
13:16 , Chris WilsonCity 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
13:11 , Chris WilsonWith 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.
Manchester City target Brazilian winger as Savinho replacement
Maresca says City's aim is to compete
13:06 , Mike JonesEnzo 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
13:03 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester City striker Erling Haaland has stunned Premier League fans by shaving off his iconic long hair before the new 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.
Erling Haaland stuns Man City team-mates with new look for Premier League season
Expect goals for the hosts
13:01 , Mike JonesManchester 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.
Silva handed debut
12:57 , Mike JonesFor Bournemouth, new boss Marco Rose hands a debut to Antonio Silva who joined the club in the summer.
Alex Scott also starts in midfield despite being linked with moves to other Premier League clubs including Man City.
Marmoush included in squad, Maresca starts six defenders
12:54 , Mike JonesIt’s an intriguing team that Enzo Maresca has selected for Man City.
There are only two changes to the line-up that lost 3-0 to Arsenal in the Community Shield as Jeremy Doku and Mateo Kovacic drop out.
However, Maresca has named six defenders in the team meaning Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly are likely to play in midfield alongside Elliot Anderson.
Marc Guehi is back in the team as well and partners Ruben Dias at centre-back.
Additionally, Omar Marmoush is named on the bench amid interest from Tottenham in signing him.
Bournemouth line-up to take on Man City
12:50 , Mike JonesAnd here’s the first Bournemouth line-up named by boss Marco Rose:
Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Smith, Silva, Hill, Truffert, Scott, Cook, Tavernier, Kluivert, Rayan, Evanilson.
🔵 TEAM NEWS🍒
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 23, 2026
The first #afcb team of the new Premier League season 👊 pic.twitter.com/uJhTI01Jld
Manchester City line-up to face Bournemouth
12:46 , Mike JonesEnzo Marseca has named his first Man City line-up for this year’s Premier League campaign.
Here’s how it looks:
Man City XI: Donnarumma; Khunsanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Lewis, Anderson, O’Reilly; Semenyo, Foden, Haaland
Our first XI of the season! 🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 23, 2026
XI | Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias (C), Guéhi, Gvardiol, Lewis, Anderson, O'Reilly, Semenyo, Foden, Haaland
SUBS | Rulli, Marmoush, Kovačić, Cherki, Nico, Grealish, Aït-Nouri, Reis, Nunes
🤝 @etihad pic.twitter.com/6wSBoP8jon
Man City dealt injury blow with key player to miss opening weeks of new season
12:41 , Richard JollyJeremy Doku will miss Manchester City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth due to a calf injury, manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed.
The Belgium international sustained the problem during the first half of City’s Community Shield defeat to Arsenal last weekend.
The 24-year-old faces up to three weeks on the sidelines, although Maresca otherwise has a fully-fit squad for Sunday’s visit of the Cherries.
Man City dealt injury blow with key player to miss opening weeks of new season
When is Man City v Bournemouth?
12:37 , Chris WilsonManchester City host Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday 23 August, with kick-off at 2pm BST.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 1pm. If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
Bournemouth team news
12:34 , Chris WilsonFor the Cherries, Eli Kroupi Jr., Veljko Milosavljevic and Julian Araujo are long-term absentees, while Amine Adli is set to return next month and Ryan Christie is suspended.
Tyler Adams has been passed fit, but David Brooks, Juanlu Sanchez, Alvaro Rodriguez and Julio Soler will face late fitness tests.
Manchester City team news
12:32 , Chris WilsonThe big news out of City is that Jeremy Doku is unavailable, with the Belgian set to miss the first few weeks of the season with a calf strain.
The Cityzens have also agreed a deal to sell Savinho to Tottenham, while Omar Marmoush will also be unavailable as he nears a move to Spurs.
Matheus Nunes has been passed fit, while there are no more injury concerns.
Manchester City vs Bournemouth LIVE
12:30 , Chris WilsonManchester City begin a new era this weekend as Enzo Maresca takes charge of his first Premier League game of the 2026/27 season at home to Bournemouth.
City begin their first season since 2016/17 without Pep Guardiola at the helm, though there is plenty of faith in Maresca, who himself previously served under the Spaniard as an assistant manager.
The Italian returns in the top job after an underwhelming spell at Chelsea, and he is tasked with returning City to the summit of the Premier League.
He will have to do it the hard way though, with City having lost the likes of Rodri and Bernardo Silva over the summer. The 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield comes too soon to cause real worry, but City will have to make a good start to the season to allay fears of wider troubles across the team.
As for Bournemouth, they begin a new era of their own under Marco Rose, with the German hoping to build on the foundations laid by Andoni Iraola as he leads the Cherries in their first ever season in Europe.
Good morning
10:00 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live blog coverage of Manchester City’s first game of the new Premier League season, against Bournemouth.
Enzo Maresca takes charge of City for the first time in a competitive fixture, with the Cityzens looking to bounce back from the dismal 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield last week.
As for Bournemouth, the Cherries are also starting a new era, with former Dortmund boss Marco Rose looking to get off to the perfect start with a dream win at the Etihad in his opening game.
We’ll have all the latest build-up, team news and updates right here.
