By KBC Associate 
Preview for Manchester City v Bournemouth
The big games keep coming for Manchester City who host Bournemouth tomorrow night looking to get over their weekend disappointment.
City were beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley with Eberechi Eze’s first-half goal proving decisive. City dominated for long spells and missed a first-half penalty when Dean Henderson saved Omar Marmoush’s effort.
It means Pep Guardiola will preside over just his second trophyless season as City boss and first since his debut campaign at the Etihad in 2016-17.
It may not be a bad thing that they have another hugely important game to focus on immediately.
The weekend results did not go City’s way with Aston Villa, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest all winning. The only positive was Newcastle’s defeat at Arsenal, a result that all but guaranteed the Gunners second spot due to their goal difference.
Newcastle, Chelsea and Villa all have 66 points, one more than City and Forest.
It is therefore imperative that Guardiola’s men win tomorrow night and give themselves a two-point cushion over the chasing pack ahead of Sunday’s final day, when they go to Fulham.
“It is important,” said the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss. “For the last 13 or 14 or 15 years we want to be in the Champions League but if we are not there then we don’t deserve it and will be in the Europa League. It is what it is.”
Tomorrow night will be Kevin De Bruyne’s final home appearance in a City shirt but he may have to be content with a place on the bench after playing the full 90 minutes, plus 10 minutes of added on time, against Palace.
Guardiola said: “We want to win the game so we can qualify for the Champions League next season – this is what Kevin wants, it couldn’t be otherwise.
“I am going to decide what is the best for us to win the game against Bournemouth, that is for sure.
“Kevin will get what he deserves, and what he deserves is the best moment and the best compliment for his incredible trajectory.”
With Kevin De Bruyne having played over 100 minutes in the FA Cup final, will Pep Guardiola start the midfielder in his final home game for Manchester City? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/cULIaqvngj
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 19, 2025
Palace’s win in the final was bad news for Bournemouth but they still have a chance to clinch a place in Europe for next season.
A win at City could push them up to eighth in the table, depending on what happens between Brighton and Liverpool this evening.
Boss Andoni Iraola said: “We are playing away against City in a game where they are in need to play for Champions League [qualification].
“It is not the scenario you want but it’s the one we have right now and we have to try to go there and play our game. It’s true that after the FA Cup final the chances to get into Europe are very limited.”
Mateo Kovacic missed the game at Wembley due to illness but is expected to return, most likely at De Bruyne’s expense.
Nico Gonzalez and Phil Foden may also be drafted in as Guardiola attempts to freshen up his midfield after their weekend exertions.
Luis Sinisterra, Enes Unal, Ryan Christie and Dango Ouattara remain sidelined for Bournemoputh while Alex Scott has also been ruled out.
Dean Huijsen is likely to play despite completing a move to Real Madrid that will take effect at the end of the season.