Big boost for Man City as the referee in Wolves vs Bournemouth unintentionally did them a huge favour

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While Manchester City would have been delighted to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, a difficult opponent awaits them in AFC Bournemouth.

Bournemouth are having a terrific season under Andoni Iraola’s leadership and this season, they have beaten all the teams barring Liverpool in the Premier League’s ‘Big Six.’

Manchester City know how testing a side like the Cherries can be, having been beaten by them 2-1 earlier this season.

Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson scored on the day, which meant Josko Gvardiol’s late goal was deemed futile.

Bernardo Silva admitted Bournemouth boss Manchester City in every single department as well.

Even Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City struggled against Bournemouth, especially when it came to going toe-to-toe with the “intensity” the hosts played with at the Vitality Stadium. But Bournemouth’s worry about locking horns with Manchester City will undoubtedly be that Milos Kerkez is suspended.

Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez’s unnecessary FA Cup suspension is a big boost for Man City

Kerkez was involved in an altercation with Matheus Cunha, where the Hungarian was booted, pushed and headbutted by the Wolves striker during both sides’ latest clash in the FA Cup.

The former AZ Alkmaar defender, however, did not retaliate as such and yet, referee Sam Barrott gave him a yellow card, which was his second during the competition as he is now set to miss Bournemouth’s clash against Manchester City.

For the Sky Blues and Pep Guardiola, Kerkez’s suspension is a major boost as he is one of the best players at Andoni Iraola’s disposal.

Furthermore, Manchester City can breathe a sigh of relief as the last time both sides played each other, the 21-year-old had an excellent game — breezing past Phil Foden before assisting Semenyo’s opener.

Kerkez also set up Evanilson’s goal with a pinpoint cross as he teamed up alongside Semenyo to give Kyle Walker one of the most challenging games of his career. The statistics indicate just how influential the in-form left-back was against Manchester City as well.

But with Kerkez now suspended, the other relief for Manchester City is that either one of their right-backs in Rico Lewis or Matheus Nunes — who are both not the best defensively will not be tasked with the challenge of going toe-to-toe with one of the standout attacking full-backs in the league.

Pep Guardiola can exploit Milos Kerkez suspension by playing one Man City star

Last time around, Pep Guardiola fielded Foden as a right-winger up against the youngster.

The Englishman was lively as he was allowed to drift in the middle of the park.

But now that Kerkez will miss the contest against Manchester City, Pep Guardiola could perhaps deploy a traditional winger in Savinho on the right flank to wreak havoc.

Guardiola lauded Savinho recently, who has been a class act since the turn of the year could have the chance to play against Julio Soler, who is Bournemouth’s backup left-back and has just made one appearance for the club.

Soler, 20 is unproven at the highest level and the Brazilian could expose that if Andoni Iraola opts for the Argentine to replace Kerkez.

With Savinho being in form as well, he will relish the challenge to make his mark and potentially book City’s place in the semi-final.