It took a late strike from Raheem Sterling to prevent Manchester City from dropping more points against a resilient Everton side. Both Pep Guardiola and Ronald Koeman had their first big game of the season after the clubs spent millions in the transfer market over the summer.
While the result seemed far from satisfying to many, it did help the gaffers to identify the vulnerabilities still largely present in their squad. While their next challenge against Bournemouth is expected to be way easier given the poor start the Cherries had in their campaign, Premier League has a tendency to spring surprises.
Predicted 3-1-4-2 Manchester City Lineup vs Bournemouth
Defence
Ederson will keep his place under the bar. The Brazilian international had a decent game against Everton with his safe and assured keeping and eye-catching ball distribution. While the goal he conceded from Wayne Rooney’s strike can be branded unfortunate as it squeezed between his legs and struck the inside of the bar before going in, he was flawless otherwise.
The back three are also expected to remain the same. Guardiola’s men were clearly the dominant side against Everton with their narrow back line doing a brilliant job. Apart from the last nine minutes before the half time that saw Kyle Walker seeing red and City conceding the goal, the back three did a magnificent task of getting the ball and pushing it forward.
We expect the trio of Vincent Kompany, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi to keep their places.
Midfield
Guardiola has used Fernandinho in the deep defensive midfield, who possesses the attributes to be a cushion for the back line as well as go up when the team is overloading on the counter. With both Ilkay Gundogan and Fabian Delph unfit for the next few weeks, the Brazilian would see more of the burden in the pivotal position.
The wing backs are expected to be Leroy Sane and Danilo. The German international was left unperturbed on the left flank against Everton, and until something goes wrong horribly in that position, Guardiola is expected to stick with him. Walker’s red card means his place will be taken by former Real Madrid full back Danilo.
Although the Spaniard would want someone fast on the flanks, Benjamin Mendy is still struggling with a thigh injury and would be out for another week or so leaving Danilo as the only option.
Attack
The attacking midfield positions will be taken by David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne, while the two forwards are expected to be Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus.
