The 10th round of the 2025/26 Premier League season will feature another crucial match, with Manchester City hosting Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola has stated that his team is close to returning to its best form, and with more alternatives becoming available, he is optimistic about the "Citizens'" journey this season.

After nine rounds of league play, Manchester City have a record of five wins, one draw, and three losses, and are currently ranked 8th in the standings with 16 points.

In the earlier English League Cup, Manchester City defeated Swansea 3-1 with goals from Doku, Malmush and Rajan Scherki, securing their place in the quarterfinals.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said in an interview, "We are not yet at our best, but we are very close. As I said before, I can smell a certain feeling in the atmosphere of the team, the training ground and the dressing room, and I can see it very clearly in the way we treat training and games."

“I have a feeling that if Rodri can get back to his best form, plus other options, we will be a very difficult team to beat.”

Guardiola also stated, "As for whether we can remain in the title race? I don't know. But since the season following the Club World Cup in the United States, I have remained optimistic about what this team can achieve this season."

In addition, when asked whether Manchester City midfielder Rodri was ready to return to the field, Guardiola said, "I think he is ready to help the team, but I'm not sure if he will start, but hopefully he can be with us. He has missed several games, and we all know how important he is to the team."