Manchester City v Bournemouth marks the start of a new Premier League era at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, as Enzo Maresca takes charge of his first league match since succeeding Pep Guardiola. The game kicks off at 2pm BST on 23 August, with UK viewers able to watch live on Sky Sports, while supporters should check the final team news before kick-off.
For Manchester City, the match represents the first step into Premier League life without Guardiola in charge since the 2016/17 season.
The Spaniard left after a decade in which City became one of English football’s dominant teams. His successor, Enzo Maresca, now faces the challenge of maintaining those standards while reshaping a squad that has undergone major changes.
City go into their league opener looking for a response after losing 3-0 to Arsenal in the Community Shield. The result was an early setback for Maresca, although it came before the Premier League campaign had begun.
Rodri exit adds to Maresca challenge
One of the biggest changes at the Etihad is the departure of midfielder Rodri, who joined Barcelona this month after seven years with City.
The Spain international was a central part of the side that won four Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time in Manchester. His exit follows other significant changes to the squad and leaves Maresca with a major midfield position to address.
Maresca has said City will try to find a replacement capable of developing into another key figure rather than simply expecting one player to reproduce Rodri’s achievements immediately.
City still have considerable attacking strength, with Erling Haaland expected to lead the line as the club attempts to make a strong start at home.
Haaland remains one of City’s main threats and will be central to Maresca’s plans as the new manager begins putting his own stamp on the team.
Doku ruled out as City receive Nunes boost
City will be without Jeremy Doku, who suffered a calf injury during the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.
Maresca confirmed that the Belgium winger would miss the Bournemouth match and is expected to be unavailable for several weeks. Matheus Nunes, however, has returned to fitness and is available for selection.
The match also comes while City’s transfer business remains unfinished. Rodri has already departed, while the futures of some other players have been the subject of transfer speculation ahead of the window closing.
Maresca has indicated that City could still make further moves before the deadline but has avoided publicly discussing players contracted to other clubs.
Bournemouth also enter new era
Bournemouth arrive in Manchester with changes of their own.
Marco Rose is now in charge following Andoni Iraola’s departure, and the Cherries are preparing for a season that will also include their first European campaign.
Bournemouth will be without the suspended Ryan Christie, while several players have also been dealing with injury concerns. The visitors nevertheless have reason to believe they can make the afternoon difficult for City after showing significant progress in recent seasons.
The sides drew 1-1 at the Vitality Stadium on 19 May in their most recent Premier League meeting. Bournemouth took the lead before City found a late equaliser.
Sunday’s meeting, however, takes place in very different circumstances. Both clubs have new managers and both are trying to establish how they will play after major changes during the summer.
For City, the pressure will be greater. Maresca has inherited a club accustomed to challenging for major honours, and the opening home fixture gives supporters their first Premier League look at his team.
A convincing performance would help settle some of the questions created by Guardiola’s departure, Rodri’s transfer and the Community Shield defeat. Bournemouth, meanwhile, will look to exploit any uncertainty as Rose begins his own Premier League chapter.
What readers should know: Manchester City host Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium at 2pm BST on Sunday, 23 August 2026, with the match live on Sky Sports in the UK. Doku is ruled out for City, Nunes is available, and the game will be Maresca’s first Premier League match as City manager. Supporters should check confirmed line-ups shortly before kick-off because further selection changes are possible.
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