The Manchester City juggernaut keeps rolling as Pep Guardiola’s men enter the weekend at the back of yet another victory. After a heavy spending summer, that saw the Arab owners lavishly dish around their cash, City were boasting of a squad full of world-class talent. Pep not only had eleven quality players but also a bench that would be in the starting line-up for most teams around Europe. With such heavy artillery at his disposal, it is no surprise to find City where they are now.
The Citizens are undefeated in the league and have just lost one inconsequential Champions League match after locking down on their qualification to the next stage of Europe. Their incredible form has set a record in England for the highest consecutive league wins and City are looking increasingly dominant with each passing day.
They are coming up against a gritty Bournemouth side although given City’s current dominance and confidence they will have no problem brushing aside the Cherries. Eddie Howe’s men will hope to avoid a thrashing and at best come away with a respectable scoreline. City will enter the match hoping to extend their winning run and clear out the little remaining doubt from the head of the chasing pack about the destination of the Premier League title come May.
With the busy Christmas fixture proving to be a tricky business, Guardiola will hope to have all his players ready and fresh in time to face Bournemouth this weekend. Having rested most of his first-team players for the Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Leicester City, Guardiola will have the luxury of picking his starting eleven again. Moreover, City has no player missing through injuries and suspensions, an opulence other teams cannot afford.
Here is how the Spanish tactician will look to line-up his unstoppable team this weekend.
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
Ederson who has been in fine form this season can be expected in goal one more time for the Citizens. The heart of the defence will be managed by Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala, who should be fit to return after being substituted in the match against Leicester City with a bloody nose.
The right wing back can be expected to be Kyle Walker with Fabian Delph expected on the left.
Midfield
A midfield trio of Fernandinho at the base with Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan in front of him can be expected with Guardiola refusing to shed any light on David Silva’s return date.
Attack
Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane can be expected to flank Sergio Aguero from the right and the left sides respectively.
