Can Champions League-chasing Bournemouth trigger an Arsenal title party by toppling City?

Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes could effectively rise or fall on the south coast when they face Bournemouth on Tuesday night. 

If Arsenal defeat Burnley at the Emirates Stadium 24 hours earlier, City will kick off at the Vitality Stadium knowing anything less than victory would leave the title beyond their reach.

That alone gives this game enormous weight. The problem for Pep Guardiola’s side is that Bournemouth have evolved into one of the most impressive teams in the division this season.

Andoni Iraola’s side head into the match on a remarkable unbeaten run that has dragged them into genuine contention for European qualification.

Bournemouth have built their campaign on relentless intensity, organisation and a fearless approach against bigger sides, particularly at home, where very few teams have left with maximum points.

Only Arsenal and Everton have won league matches at the Vitality Stadium this season, which underlines the scale of the challenge facing City.

Bournemouth are also arriving full of confidence after beating Fulham in their last outing, a result that further strengthened belief around the club that something special could still be achieved.

City arrive fresh from their FA Cup final victory over Chelsea at Wembley Stadium, where Antoine Semenyo’s superb strike secured their second trophy of the season.

That victory showed another side to Guardiola’s team. They had to stay patient, battle through difficult moments and rely on quality in decisive situations.

That mentality may be needed even more against Bournemouth, as this fixture is far more dangerous than it was earlier in the season.

City know they cannot afford any hesitation, while Bournemouth have freedom, momentum and their own ambitions driving them forward.

All of that should make this one of the defining games of the Premier League season.