Image source: Getty Images
2026/27 Premier League
Matchday 1
Manchester City vs Bournemouth
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Sunday 23 August, 13:00
Manchester City will officially begin their “post Pep Guadriola” era when they welcome Bournemouth for a Premier League Matchday 1 clash at the Etihad Stadium on the afternoon of Sunday 23 August.
Form and team news
City finished second in the Premier League last season, seven points off the pace of Arsenal, but they still enjoyed a fine campaign overall thanks to winning both the League and FA Cups. Guardiola then chose to end his tenure with the Citizens, who moved to bring Enzo Maresca back to the club to replace the legendary coach.
City are in a new coaching era, and have entered something of a transitional period with the current squad: stalwarts Bernardo Silva and John Stones have left the club, as have Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake, but the arrival of Elliot Anderson underlines that the Manchester club remains a powerhouse in the market.
Bournemouth enjoyed an amazing campaign in 2025/26, finishing in sixth place too secure their first-ever qualification for European football. However, the achievement was overshadowed somewhat by the departure of coach Andoni Iraola, who has since taken over at Liverpool.
The Cherries’ new man in charge is former Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig coach Marco Rose. He will oversee a squad which has been boosted by the arrivals of Antonio Silva, Alvaro Rodriguez and Juanlu Sanchez, while Marcos Senesi, Hamed Traore and Luis Sinisterra have departed.
Quotes
Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca: “I was very convinced since day one and the reason why is because I know people inside the organisation and I know how serious they are. Again, this is a club that has to win but we have to get better season after season.”
Head-to-head
Man City and Bournemouth have met in 26 matches dating back as far as 1987. The Citizens have claimed 22 wins compared to one for the Cherries, while three games have been drawn.
City took four points off Bournemouth in the Premier League last season, winning 3-1 in Manchester in November 2025, before a 1-1 draw on the South Coast in May 2026.
Premier League Matchday 1 Fixtures
Friday 21 August
19:00: Arsenal vs Coventry City
Saturday 22 August
11:30: Hull City vs Manchester United
14:00: Ipswich Town vs Sunderland
14:00: Everton vs Crystal Palace
14:00: Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
16:30: Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur
Sunday 23 August
13:00: Manchester City vs Bournemouth
13:00: Brighton vs Aston Villa
15:30: Newcastle United vs Liverpool
Monday 24 August
19:00: Fulham vs Leeds United
Bet on the English Premier League with Betway
Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action and heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer leagues such as the English Premier League, the Italian Serie A, the Spanish La Liga and many more.
Join our Telegram Channel
Get way more with Betway. Enjoy the thrill of sports betting, casino games, and more. Join our community for tips, bonuses, and exciting offers. #BetwaySquad
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions, follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube. Download the Betway App.