With Manchester City struggling this season, the FA Cup remains Pep Guardiola only chance for silverware. City faces a high-pressing Bournemouth side, and Guardiola may use a direct approach, relying on Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush. Haaland central role, paired with Marmoush pace and Foden creativity, could be crucial in breaking Bournemouth defensive setup.
When it comes to Manchester City’s season, the FA Cup is now their last realistic chance at silverware. After early exits from the Champions League and Carabao Cup, as well as falling out of the Premier League title race, Pep Guardiola’s side faces a crucial quarter-final clash against Bournemouth.
Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, have been the Premier League’s most aggressive pressing team, ranking highest for possession wins in the middle and final thirds. City could counter this high press with a more direct approach, bypassing the pressure with long balls—similar to their strategy against Chelsea. Erling Haaland, along with Omar Marmoush and Phil Foden, could be key in executing this tactic by creating overloads in attack.
Marmoush has impressed with his speed, movement, and ability to read third-man runs, making him a preferred option over Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who excels in pressing but lacks finishing consistency. Meanwhile, Foden, despite a quiet season, showed promise playing centrally against Latvia for England. Guardiola could reignite Foden’s form by positioning him as an advanced playmaker, allowing him to dictate play.
With City struggling to match their past dominance, tactical adjustments in this FA Cup tie could define their season and Guardiola’s final shot at silverware.
