'Last chance' - Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton agree on Man City FA Cup quarter-final prediction

City will look to move into the FA Cup semi-finals for the seventh successive year

Manchester City will look to keep their final remaining chance of domestic silverware this season alive when they travel to the south coast to take on Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

With City out of the Champions League and their Premier League ambitions now only extending to securing qualification to next season's Champions League as opposed to retaining their league title, the FA Cup - as well as this summer's Club World Cup - is their chance to end a difficult season with success.

But they will have to get past a Cherries side who have been in excellent form under Andoni Iraola and who have already beaten City at the Vitality Stadium this term. With that in mind, pundits Chris Sutton and Alan Shearer are predicting a difficult afternoon for City. Here's a look at how they believe Pep Guardiola's side will fare.

Chris Sutton

The former Blackburn and Celtic forward told BBC Sport: "This is such a difficult tie to call. Bournemouth were the team who started the rot for Manchester City when they deservedly beat them in November, for what was the defending champions' first league defeat of the season.

"Back then, they were still 'mighty City', the team who were dominating English football, who hardly ever slipped up. Who would have imagined that, five months on, they would have lost eight of their next 19 league games and be in the position they are now, with just the FA Cup left as the only thing they can win?

"This competition is huge for City now, because it feels so crucial for boss Pep Guardiola to finish such a difficult season with a piece of silverware.

"So, it helps him that the Cherries are not in great form, with only one point from their past four league games, and also that they are without two key defenders here; Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen, who are both suspended.

"City are still far from convincing at the moment, however, and it is hard to know what their strongest line-up is.

"Phil Foden's struggles for England last week were a reminder of how last season's PFA and FWA Player of the Year has been a shadow of his usual self all campaign, but he is not the only City player to have been well below his best.

"Still, there is no chance of Pep saving anyone for Wednesday's league game against Leicester, even though City have got a real fight on their hands to finish in the top five.

"Pep always takes the FA Cup seriously anyway, and he has shown that by reaching the semi-finals for each of the past six seasons - something no other team had done before.

"Will City make it to the last four again? Yes... but only just. Bournemouth are so good with their press that they won't allow City to easily play out from the back - there are going to be plenty of goals, and I can see it being settled in extra-time."

Sutton's prediction: Bournemouth 2-3 Man City (after extra time)

Alan Shearer

The former England and Newcastle United captain told Betfair: "The FA Cup quarter-finals are here and I guess every team, even Preston, will be thinking they can win it at this stage. Particularly with the form that Man City are in and how hot and cold they are.

"Every team will be thinking they've got a chance. If you get past this stage then you're at Wembley so it's a big chance for someone.

"Bournemouth have cooled off a bit in the Premier League but it'll be really tough for Man City. Aston Villa are a great team who made some good signings in January so they'll be thinking about what an unbelievable season they could have.

"There are so many great stories that could come out of the FA Cup this year.

"It's hugely important for them this season because of what they've done in the past. I heard Pep say about the number of trophies they've won and where they are now compared to where they were but this is a club that's built on winning trophies so for them not to win one would be a surprise - that's how successful they've been.

"It's the last chance they have to win silverware this season and also hugely important for them to get into the Champions League. I know the FA Cup doesn't deliver that but from now until the end of the season is so important for them.

"I think Bournemouth will fancy their chances against Man City but I think because it's the last chance to win a trophy this season, I'll go for Man City."

Shearer's prediction: Man City to go through