Two seasons have passed since Manchester City last lifted the Premier League trophy, and the Citizens enter a brand-new era as Enzo Maresca takes charge at the Etihad Stadium.Adapting to life after Pep Guardiola presents a massive shift for the hosts, who finished second last term and come into this opener following a humbling 3-0 Community Shield loss to Arsenal. Despite major off-field squad transitions and key departures,Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsCity's formidable home dominance – 14 of their 18 league games at the Etihad last season – gives them plenty of backing to start on the right foot.Bournemouth are embarking on an exciting journey of their own after securing a impressive sixth-place finish last season to qualify for the Europa League for the first time in their history.##NAJAVA_MECA_9907090##Now led by former RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose following Andoni Iraola's departure, the Cherries bring an 18-match Premier League unbeaten streak into this curtain-raiser. However, facing a trip to the Etihad Stadium poses an immediate test of their credentials, especially given their historical struggles when visiting the former champions.Kick-off: 4:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Sunday 23 AugustVenue: Etihad Stadium, ManchesterGroup: Premier League (Matchday 1), Season Opener.Fernandes set for a rotation this yearQualification implications: An opening-day victory is vital for Manchester City to signal their title ambitions under Enzo Maresca, while Bournemouth seek early points to fuel another European push.Form GuideManchester City❌ Loss vs Arsenal (0-3)✅ Win vs Atletico Madrid (3-1)✅ Win vs K-League Allstars (3-1)➖ Draw vs Inter Milan (1-1)❌ Loss vs Aston Villa (1-2)Bournemouth❌ Loss vs Mainz 05 (1-2)➖ Draw vs Real Betis (2-2)✅ Win vs Genoa (10-1)✅ Win vs Augsburg (5-2)✅ Win vs St. Pauli (4-1)##NAJAVA_MECA_9907461##Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)Bournemouth 1-1 Manchester City (19 May 2026 – Premier League)Manchester City 3-1 Bournemouth (02 Nov 2025 – Premier League)Manchester City 3-1 Bournemouth (20 May 2025 – Premier League)Bournemouth 1-2 Manchester City (30 Mar 2025 – FA Cup)Bournemouth 2-1 Manchester City (02 Nov 2024 – Premier League)Team NewsManchester City❌ Jérémy Doku – Forward (out).❌ Matheus Nunes – Midfielder (out).❌ Savinho – Forward (out).Bournemouth❌ Junior Kroupi – Forward (out).❌ Julian Araujo – Defender (out).❌ Ryan Christie – Midfielder (out).❌ Tyler Adams – Midfielder (out).❌ David Brooks – Midfielder (out).❌ Amine Adli – Forward (out).❌ Vuk Milosavljevic – Midfielder (out).Chelsea strikers in high demand: EPL clubs lock horns over Delap, Jackson on Spanish giants' radarPlayer to Watch: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)Erling Haaland remains Manchester City’s focal point in attack as he looks to kick off the new campaign in typical explosive fashion.The Norwegian striker possesses an extraordinary goalscoring record in the opening month of the season, having netted 22 goals across just 14 Premier League appearances played in August.His exceptional strength, clinical threat in the box, and lethal movement against high lines make him the ultimate nightmare for opposition defenders. If Bournemouth's backline succumbs under pressure during transitional moments, Haaland has the aerial and finishing quality to single-handedly dismantle the Cherries' defense.🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk)Manchester City to Win🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk)Manchester City Win & Both Teams to Score – Yes🔴 Long Shot (High Risk)Manchester City to Win 3-1Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.