Pep Guardiola is likely to name a strong team when Manchester City face Bournemouth in the Premier League this weekend, despite the match falling just three days after the mid-week Champions League draw with RB Leipzig.
City could trail Arsenal by five points by the time they kick off at the Vitality, meaning it’s vital they come away from the south coast with a win. City also face an FA Cup clash against Bristol City on Tuesday, a game in which Guardiola is to rotate his squad.
Ederson is expected to start in nets again at Bournemouth on Saturday despite the goalkeeper receiving some criticism for his recent performances. Defence does pose a few questions however, with John Stones and Aymeric Laporte expected to miss out. It leaves Guardiola with Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake as centre-back options.
The latter can also operate at left-back, while Bernardo Silva has deputised in that role recently. At right-back, Rico Lewis and Kyle Walker are the most obvious choices for the Premier League champions.
In midfield, it could be the same three of Rodri, Silva and Ilkay Gundogan, with Kalvin Phillips clearly still not yet trusted by Guardiola. Kevin De Bruyne might come back after a recent illness, but the City boss said in Friday’s press conference that he is uncertain about the Belgian’s fitness levels. Either way, it seems unlikely he’ll be rushed back for a relatively low-key encounter against Bournemouth.
Erling Haaland failed to score against the Cherries during August’s meeting and will be desperate to net on Saturday. He’s expected to start up front, with two of Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Julian Alavrez and Jack Grealish likely to be selected in the wide areas.
Here’s how we think Guardiola will line up on Saturday…
1. GK: Ederson
Not kept a clean sheet in his last four league matches.
2. RB: Rico Lewis
One of the two predicted changes sees Lewis come in for Walker, who has started the last five.
3. CB: Manuel Akanji
One of Guardiola’s preferred selections despite his form dropping in recent weeks.
4. CB: Ruben Dias
Expected to start with Stones and Laporte out.