Fresh Start, Familiar Questions
Enzo Maresca's Premier League tenure begins at the Etihad on Saturday, and it is difficult to imagine a starker contrast in styles. City, under their new manager, will look to dominate the ball. Their opponents, Bournemouth, under Marco Rose, will look to take it off them with aggression and energy.
The last time these two met, it ended 1-1, a result that helped Bournemouth secure European football and pushed City further out of the title race. That was then. This is now, and both clubs have changed managers since.
A Wobbly Start
Maresca replaced Pep Guardiola, ushering in a new era. His first competitive match in charge ended in a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the FA Community Shield. A loss in that fixture is rarely a cause for panic, but the manner of the defeat has sparked reaction from fans and the media.
He will want to wipe the slate clean and start the Premier League on a good note, offering a display of his high-possession, build-up football. The theory is sound. The execution, so far, has been questioned.
Haaland's Response
Erling Haaland, one of the best strikers in the world, was held scoreless by Arsenal. Coming off a big World Cup, he looks poised to start his Golden Boot defense with a goal. You would not bet against him.
Rose, meanwhile, makes his Premier League debut after years coaching in Austria and Germany. He replaces Andoni Iraola, who left for Liverpool. The new man's approach is the complete opposite of Maresca's focus on possession. It should make for an interesting afternoon.