More concern for Bournemouth as now Adam Smith is down on the ground after his ankle was clipped by Leroy Sane. Neil Swarbrick blows his whistle and awards Bournemouth a free-kick 30 yards from goal and pretty central. Good chance for them to do something here...

Image source, Reuters

Leroy Sane gets the ball on the left but, quick as a flash, three players are on him and he's forced to play the ball backwards.

Meanwhile, the travelling City fans make sure Sergio Aguero knows he is wanted, belting out his name. He's been quiet so far, but often all he needs is one chance.

Image source, Getty Images

Shaun Hewitt: Will Aguero play in the FA Cup against the Mighty Huddersfield Town is what I'd like to know

AbhieSpeaks: I wonder what will Martial & Aguero discuss if they met in a pub over a couple of drinks.

And in reference to Chris Sutton saying Sergio Aguero will be embarrassed by not playing...

Ethan Evans: Humiliated? Don't be so dramatic, Aguero is a professional, he knows how football works, he'll be back stronger than ever!

Fernandinho again with a beauty of a pass, sending David Silva on his way down the left but his cross is knocked behind for a corner, from which Benik Afobe thumps clear. 

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport at Vitality Stadium

The Cherries have definitely had City rattled a couple of times already this half. In their last game, they trailed Everton 3-0 at half-time, got it back to 3-2 and threatened a grandstand finish for a while until the Toffees broke away to win it 6-3.

What's missing from City this half? Pep's woolly hat for a start, which did not reappear after the interval.

Image source, Rex Features

The eagle-eyed Neil Swarbrick spots a foul by Raheem Sterling as he prevents Joshua King from breaking and flashes a yellow card at the forward. That's his fourth booking in as many games now.

Bournemouth have come out firing in this half, although they are yet to manage a shot on target. The way they are playing it is surely only a matter of time.

Harry Arter tangles with Kevin de Bruyne as the City man charges into the area. Arter is down, looks in discomfort but is quick to signal to the bench that he's OK. Bournemouth have already lost two players to injury, a third would be far from ideal.

Chris Sutton
Ex-Chelsea striker on BBC Radio 5 live

I think Sergio Aguero feels humiliated.

How would you feel if you got left out?

Image source, PA

Fernandinho's passing range has been absolutely on point in this game. He pings a pass from halfway to Sergio Aguero on the edge of the area but the striker loses the ball soon after.

This is Aguero's chance to prove a point. He hasn't done that yet.

It's all Bournemouth at the moment and John Stones is brave as he slides in to knock the ball away from Joshua King's feet inside the Manchester City box. Great tackle.

The stadium has really come alive now with the home fans urging their side forward. Great atmosphere.

Image source, Reuters

Bournemouth are at Manchester City early in this half as Jordon Ibe skips away down the right. He cuts the ball back for Benik Afobe in the middle of the area but it is just behind the striker and City clear.

Yaya Toure loses possession to Benik Afobe and carelessly lunges at the Bournemouth striker. Foul and a big concern for Manchester City, Toure is already on a booking. Neil Swarbrick walks over to him, but let's him off with a warning.

Image source, Reuters

Back under way in Bournemouth.

More of the same please.

Image source, PA

The last time there were three subs in the first half of a Premier League game was just over a year ago on 6 February.

Liverpool drew with Sunderland 2-2 - with Dejan Lovren, Duncan Watmore and Joe Allen all coming off before half-time.

Image source, Opta

Manchester City's biggest threat has come down the left through Leroy Sane, so it's no surprise to see Bournemouth have focused much of their defending there. Both sides are pushing players forward, though, making for a hugely entertaining clash.

Allan Thomas: What do people see in Sterling? Not good enogh to play in Hartlepool reserves in my opinion

Mark Russell: Jack Wilshere, the professional footballer that is only eligible for 3rd party health insurance. 

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport at Vitality Stadium

Warm applause from the home fans in the main stand greets the half-time whistle - followed by a few boos directed towards referee Neil Swarbrick from the home diehards in the Steve Fletcher Stand behind the goal.

Bournemouth have lost two key players to injury - with respect to Benik Afobe, it's not like they can bring an attacking substitute of Sergio Aguero's quality off the bench as City have done - but they're hanging in there, just about.

Pep Guardiola will feel his side has the quality to extend their lead. Would it be a brave person to bet against there being more goals tonight? (But at which end?)

Chris Sutton
Ex-Chelsea striker on BBC Radio 5 live

Manchester City deservedly go in ahead. Bournemouth were unfortunate with how Raheem Sterling's goal came about. City have been in the ascendancy and David Silva has been absolutely outstanding.

The next goal is going to be absolutely crucial.

The challenge on Leroy Sane had to be a penalty for me. There was contact from Harry Arter.

However, the referee got Bournemouth's disallowed goal spot on. A brave decision and the correct one.

Image source, Reuters

Half-time already? Great first half.

City lead but Bournemouth are by no means out of this one.

Sets things up for a classic second half.

Image source, Reuters