Man City predicted lineup vs Bournemouth - Premier League
- Manchester City welcome Bournemouth to the Etihad this Saturday in the Premier League
- The Cityzens have won 17 of 19 meetings with the Cherries including their last 13
- Kevin De Bruyne is Pep Guardiola's only absentee for the Bournemouth clash
Manchester City will be relishing the visit of Bournemouth in the Premier League this weekend as the champions look to prey on any slip-ups from Tottenham and Arsenal.
Table-topping Spurs face a tricky London derby with Chelsea on Monday night, while Arsenal travel to Newcastle United in Saturday's late kick-off. Man City, fresh from a comfortable 3-0 win at Old Trafford last Sunday, should put pressure on them with a win over the Cherries this weekend.
Man City have won their last 13 meetings with Bournemouth and have never lost to the south coast side. The last time the Cherries managed a point against their upcoming opponents was back in 1999, with the current Premier League champions having put 40 goals past them since then.
While Pep Guardiola could probably field several teams capable of blowing Bournemouth away, this is how the Spaniard could set up this Saturday.
Man City predicted lineup vs Bournemouth (4-2-3-1)
GK: Ederson - The Brazilian is likely to be nothing more than a spectator this weekend, but will probably still have more touches than any Bournemouth player.
RB: Kyle Walker - Guardiola's go-to guy in the right-back slot this season, Walker has started every Premier League game for the champions. Will likely be required more offensively than defensively.
CB: John Stones - Another contributor to Man City's recent upturn in form after a small wobble. The defender's ability to step into midfield has helped Guardiola overload central areas since his return to the team.
CB: Ruben Dias - Could be rotated ahead of a busy week for Man City with Manuel Akanji returning from suspension and Nathan Ake always ready to jump into the starting lineup. However, Dias might be keen on another potential clean sheet against the Cherries.
LB: Josko Gvardiol - The young Croatian has made an instant impact at Man City, slotting seamlessly into the full-back role on the left-hand side.
CM: Rodri - Has proven himself irreplaceable for Man City this season, with the Cityzens losing all three of the games he was suspended for earlier in the campaign. His return to the lineup has got Guardiola's side back on track.
CM: Mateo Kovacic - With a Champions League encounter midweek, the likes of Kovacic, Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes may share some minutes.
RM: Phil Foden - Scored a lovely goal to continue his impressive record against Manchester United last weekend and will fancy his chances up against the inexperienced Milos Kerkez this Saturday.
AM: Julian Alvarez - Arguably City's strongest performer this campaign, Alvarez drew a rare blank last weekend. Operating just off Erling Haaland up top, The World Cup winner already has seven goals and five assists in all competitions this season and should get his name on the scoresheet against the Cherries.
LM: Jeremy Doku - Despite Jack Grealish's impressive performance against Man Utd, Doku could return to the starting lineup against Bournemouth. The Belgian has settled quickly and his explosive running could cause Max Aarons problems, while less will be expected of him defensively.
ST: Erling Haaland - There are some players who just demand to play every game and Erling Haaland is one of them. Five goals in his last three games spells trouble for the Cherries.
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