Manchester City are fighting for Champions League qualification rather than another dominant league title charge.
With the FA Cup presenting a rare opportunity for domestic silverware, Pep Guardiola’s side cannot afford another slip-up.
Bournemouth stand in their way. Andoni Iraola’s side have already beaten City once this season – a 2-1 win in November that marked their first-ever victory against the champions.
That result will fuel their belief, but City’s quarter-final pedigree is unmatched. Guardiola’s side have reached the FA Cup semi-finals for six straight years.
They have won seven consecutive quarter-finals and remain the team to beat despite their inconsistency.
Their comeback win over Plymouth Argyle in the previous round was unconvincing, but the job was done.
Nico O’Reilly was the unlikely hero, scoring twice as City overcame a first-half scare. Kevin De Bruyne then sealed the win late on.
Guardiola knows his side cannot afford similar complacency at the Vitality Stadium.
“We were rusty after the break,” Guardiola admitted. “Some players were a little bit tired, but the others are good.”
Bournemouth have had a mixed campaign. Between November and January, they went 12 matches unbeaten.
Their form has been erratic since then, with four defeats in their last eight games. They remain in the hunt for European qualification but will see the FA Cup as their best shot at history.
The Cherries have never reached an FA Cup semi-final. Their two previous quarter-finals ended in defeat, first to Manchester United in 1957, then to Southampton four years ago.
Guardiola has praised Bournemouth’s unique approach. “I wouldn’t say they are chaotic – they have a special way to play, and it works. Football would be boring if all the teams played the same way.”
Bournemouth’s aggressive pressing and quick transitions have unsettled top sides this season.
City’s defensive lapses in recent matches – seen in their 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion and 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest – will give the Cherries confidence.
With the Premier League title gone, City’s focus on the FA Cup should be sharper than ever. A trip to Wembley Stadium is expected, but Bournemouth will not make it easy.
