This Sunday, March 30, the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth will host a thrilling clash in the FA Cup quarterfinals. At 12:30 PM (Brasília time), Bournemouth and Manchester City square off in a match that promises excitement and could shape the trajectory of both teams in the world’s oldest football competition. The game will be broadcast live exclusively on Disney+ via streaming, giving fans the chance to follow every moment of this knockout encounter. While Bournemouth aims to make history by reaching the semifinals for the first time, Manchester City fights to keep their trophy hopes alive in a season falling short of expectations.
Bournemouth enters the match after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Wolverhampton in the previous round. Sitting 10th in the Premier League, Andoni Iraola’s side is grappling with a dip in form, marked by three losses and two draws in their last five outings. Yet, the team draws inspiration from a recent feat: a 2-1 league win over Manchester City in November, snapping a long-standing dominance by the Citizens in their head-to-head record.
In contrast, Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, sees the game as a critical chance to salvage their campaign. Out of the Champions League and trailing in the Premier League, where they sit 5th, the Citizens view the FA Cup as their main shot at silverware. Over their last six matches, they’ve secured two wins, suffered three losses, and drawn once, but their historical edge—winning nine of the last ten meetings with Bournemouth—bolsters their confidence.
A trip to the South Coast to take on the Cherries
#ManCity | #FACup pic.twitter.com/7mhFOIE3zq
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 30, 2025
Match details at Vitality Stadium
Sunday’s showdown pits two teams with distinct goals but equal determination against each other. Bournemouth, a club yet to reach the FA Cup semifinals, has a golden opportunity to etch its name in the history books. Their best runs in the competition came in 1956-57 and 2020-21, both ending in the quarterfinals. Now, facing a heavyweight opponent, the squad leans on its resilience and the momentum from their recent league upset over City.
Manchester City, meanwhile, boasts an impressive FA Cup pedigree. The team has reached the semifinals in each of the last six editions—a tournament record—and lifted the trophy twice in that span. For Guardiola, this match is more than just a quarterfinal; it’s a chance to avoid his first trophyless season since taking charge of the club.
Lineups and injury setbacks
Bournemouth is expected to field a blend of experience and youth. Kepa should start in goal, backed by a defensive line of Lewis Cook, Zabarnyi, Sensei, and Soler. In midfield, Adams and Scott set the tempo, while Tavernier, Kluivert, and Semenyo create chances for striker Evanilson. However, key absences loom large: defenders Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez are suspended, forcing Iraola to tweak his backline.
Manchester City faces its own challenges. Injuries to Nathan Aké, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, and Rodri thin the squad, but Guardiola’s core remains intact. Ortega is set to guard the net, with Lewis, Khusanov, Rúben Dias, and Gvardiol in defense. González and Gundogan anchor the midfield, feeding Savinho, Marmoush, and Doku, who support star striker Erling Haaland. Haaland, with 55 Premier League goals this season, poses a constant threat to Bournemouth’s defense.
Head-to-head history
The historical record heavily favors Manchester City. Across 22 meetings, the Citizens have triumphed 19 times, with Bournemouth claiming just one victory—the 2-1 league result in November. That lone win fuels the Cherries’ belief they can upset the odds again. In FA Cup clashes, the teams have rarely crossed paths, but City’s dominance in knockout ties against Premier League foes is striking: 26 wins in 28 such games over the past seven years.
Still, Bournemouth has proven its mettle this season. The November victory was one of several standout performances against top teams. At home in the Vitality Stadium, the Cherries hope to replicate that success and advance to uncharted territory.
Season-defining moments
For Bournemouth, the FA Cup is a chance to cap a surprising season. After battling relegation last year, Iraola’s men climbed to 5th in the Premier League earlier this campaign. Their recent slump, with just one win in five, has raised the stakes, but the penalty shootout win over Wolverhampton rekindled their dreams of a historic title.
Manchester City’s season has been a rollercoaster. Knocked out of the Champions League and 15 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, the FA Cup has become their lifeline. Guardiola, accustomed to winning silverware every year since 2016, faces an unfamiliar test: avoiding a blank season. The pressure is on for both coach and players.
Stats that shape the story
Numbers offer insight into the matchup. Bournemouth’s attack has notched 48 Premier League goals, but their defense has faltered, conceding in four of their last five games. Manchester City, with the league’s second-best attack at 55 goals—spearheaded by Haaland—has also shown defensive cracks, especially against high-energy teams like Bournemouth.
In the FA Cup, City has won their last seven quarterfinal matches, while Bournemouth has progressed past Premier League opposition in their last two ties (Everton and Wolverhampton). These stats hint at a closer contest than history suggests, given the teams’ current form.
What to expect on the pitch
Anticipation is high for an open, competitive game. Bournemouth will likely rely on Semenyo and Kluivert’s pace to exploit gaps in City’s backline, which has struggled against quick transitions. The absence of Huijsen and Kerkez could expose their defense, but the raucous Vitality Stadium crowd might offset those weaknesses.
Manchester City, meanwhile, will bank on Haaland’s finishing and Gundogan’s playmaking. Guardiola’s game plan should emphasize possession and high pressing to stifle Bournemouth’s early momentum. Yet, City’s recent inconsistency leaves room for an upset, as seen in November.
FA Cup quarterfinal schedule
The Bournemouth-Manchester City clash is part of a packed quarterfinal slate. Here’s the lineup:
- Preston North End vs Aston Villa – 1:30 PM (Brasília time)
- Brighton vs Nottingham Forest – 4:30 PM (Brasília time)
- Fulham vs Crystal Palace – 4:30 PM (Brasília time)
The winner advances to the semifinals at Wembley, one step closer to the FA Cup final.
Key factors in the outcome
Several elements could sway the result. Bournemouth benefits from home advantage and the confidence of their league win over City. Iraola’s intensity and knack for scoring at pivotal moments will be vital, though defensive suspensions could prove costly.
Manchester City’s edge lies in their knockout experience and squad quality. Haaland’s scoring prowess and Gundogan’s composure are major assets, but injuries and recent struggles might hinder their performance.
Fun facts about the matchup
Here are some tidbits to spice up the clash:
- Bournemouth is the only Premier League team to beat Manchester City this season so far.
- Guardiola has never gone a season without a trophy since joining City in 2016.
- Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has taken 14 shots in the 2024-25 FA Cup, seven against Wolverhampton.
- City has scored in all of their last ten games against Bournemouth across all competitions.
Pressure and ambition on display
The Vitality Stadium will buzz with intensity. For Bournemouth, this is a shot at history and a reward for Iraola’s transformative work. The passionate home fans are expected to turn the stadium into a cauldron, pressuring City from the start.
For the Citizens, the weight of expectation looms large. As favorites, they must rebound from a shaky season. Guardiola’s meticulous approach will be tested against an opponent that’s already defied them once.
Players to watch
Bournemouth’s Evanilson and Semenyo will carry the attacking burden, with Kluivert’s flair and Zabarnyi’s defending also key. For City, Haaland steals the spotlight, but Gundogan’s vision and Doku’s speed could unlock the game. Referee Stuart Attwell, a seasoned official, will oversee the action.
Road to the quarterfinals
Bournemouth reached this stage by outlasting Wolverhampton in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, following a win over Everton. Manchester City’s path was smoother, dispatching Salford City, Leyton Orient, and Plymouth Argyle (3-1). Both face their toughest FA Cup test yet on Sunday.
The stakes for both clubs
The FA Cup holds different meanings for each team. For Bournemouth, victory would mark their first semifinal appearance and cement a breakout season. For City, it’s a must-win to avoid a rare trophyless year under Guardiola’s reign.
Vitality Stadium’s stage and vibe
With a capacity of around 11,000, the Vitality Stadium’s intimate setting amplifies the crowd’s energy. Expect a lively atmosphere as Bournemouth fans rally their side against the odds. Weather-wise, a mild spring day with possible rain could affect play. For those watching remotely, Disney+ has the live stream covered.
