Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Monday that he was “absolutely” convinced that his side could seal one of the top five of the top five in the Premier League that will guarantee them Champions League football for the following season.
Although the Premier League title has long been packed by Liverpool, and Arsenal insured himself a top five finish on Sunday, the race to secure the other three remaining places is wide open.
Newcastle United, Chelsea and Aston Villa all have 66 points after 37 games, while City is sixth with 65 and have a match in hand about the three clubs.
The last time City was not eligible for the European Elite Club competition was in the 2009-10 season.
“If we are not there (Champions League), we will not earn it and we will be in the Europa League. It is what it is,” Guardiola reporters told Bournemouth posted before Tuesday's home game.
“I think we are eligible. My thoughts and the way I think – I think. We need four points. That is the most important goal. I am absolutely (confident to qualify).”
City wants to recover from the shock 1-0 loss on Saturday against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
“We played a very good final, not enough to win it. And we have the last two games, we need four points to be in the Champions League next year. This is enough, and everyone must be aware of it,” Guardiola said.
“Newcastle won the Carabao Cup (League Cup), Liverpool won the Premier League and City won the Community Shield. The other teams have won nothing,” added the Spaniard.
The City against Bournemouth match will be their last home game of the season, with the club making a trip to Fulham from 10th place for the last Premier League round on Sunday.
The match against Bournemouth will also mark the last home game of Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne for City, with the 33-year-old announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season after 10 successful years.
“We want to win the game so that we can qualify for the Champions League next season – this is what Kevin wants, it can't be anything,” said Guardiola.
“I'm going to decide what is best for us to win the match against Bournemouth, that's for sure. Kevin will get what he deserves, and what he deserves is the best moment and the best compliment for his incredible process.”