Semenyo vs Haaland: The City–Bournemouth Showdown
2 November 2025
Lineups, returns, and a tactical duel at the Etihad
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola revealed the lineup for the visit of Bournemouth in a Premier League match at the Etihad on Sunday as round ten action gets underway.
The front three for City featured Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku, with Omar Marmoush and Savinho on the substitutes bench.
At 25 years and 158 days, Foden became the youngest City player to reach 200 Premier League appearances, beating Raheem Sterling's previous mark.
The teams’ lineups were announced: City started with Donnarumma in goal, a backline including Dias and Gvardiol, with Orayli in midfield alongside Nico and Bernardo, while Foden, Doku and Haaland led the attack.
Bournemouth lined up with Semenyo in attack and a setup designed to balance defensive work with countering City’s pressure, under manager Andoni Iraola, who has steered the club to a notable season so far.
Haaland also faced a moment of concern after clashing with the post late in a defeat to Aston Villa, but Guardiola said the Norwegian striker has fully recovered after training over the last two days and is in excellent condition to play.
Rodri will be available after recovering from a thigh muscle injury sustained against Brentford on Oct 5; he has endured a succession of injuries since a knee-related ACL tear in September 2024, with a fresh issue during the Club World Cup against Al Hilal.
Guardiola added: "Rodri is ready to help, though we will decide whether he starts or can last 90 minutes. His return is a big boost for the team."
Semenyo returned to action for Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup against Swansea and scored his first goal since last season, a moment that should boost his confidence.
Coach Guardiola praised Semenyo and Bournemouth's manager Iraola, noting their clear philosophy, resilience and strong results this season, and he highlighted Bournemouth's financial discipline, including a reported 87 million pounds profit despite a modest net spend.
In closing, Guardiola affirmed Semenyo's quality and Bournemouth's threat, as City aim to extend their lead in the league table while Iraola's side look to upset the odds.
Punchline 1: If City’s plan A ever needs a quick plan B, Haaland is the sniper who always makes the headshot—finishes first and smiles last.
Punchline 2: Semenyo keeps finding space like a ghost in the box—the only thing scarier for defenses is the coffee my editor drinks before 9 a.m. (it’s strong).
