Bournemouth face Man City as Rayan earns Brazil call
Bournemouth’s 19-year-old forward Rayan is named in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad after 5 goals and 2 assists in 13 Premier League games, including a three-match scoring run and a winner at Fulham.
Arteta calls himself the ‘biggest-ever’ Bournemouth fan, urging Cherries to take points off City to crown Arsenal early. Arsenal beat Burnley 1-0 and await City’s trip to the Vitality.
Iraola’s final home game: Bournemouth, unbeaten in 16, host City. Christie is banned, Adams to anchor midfield, Cook back on bench. Predicted XI includes Rayan, Kroupi, Tavernier and Evanilson.
Bournemouth need one point vs City to clinch Europe. A win seals top six. Even with defeat, Chelsea dropping points to Spurs would confirm Europe. Fifth requires wins vs City and Forest and a Liverpool slip.
City must win at the Vitality to keep the title race alive, but face Iraola’s in-form Bournemouth on a 16-game unbeaten run, with threats from Evanilson, Tavernier, Rayan, Kroupi and Alex Scott.
BCP Council recommend approval for Vitality Stadium revamp, with a 22 May vote. Capacity to rise from 11,286 to about 20,200, new 7,000-seat South Stand, North and East extensions, works phased during matches.
Guardiola warns City that Bournemouth ‘don’t let you breathe’, expecting an intense test after the FA Cup final. Cherries are sixth and unbeaten in 16 as the title race goes to the wire.
Tyler Adams says he will miss Andoni Iraola and credits him with transforming Bournemouth ahead of the manager’s departure at season’s end.
