It’s still early days in the new season, but Manchester City dropping points should be big news to everyone involved in the Premier League title race. The Citizens were by far the better side against Tottenham, but they failed to find the winner. Next, they will travel to Dean Court to take on Bournemouth this weekend.
The Cherries like City have got 4 points so far, but they would be easily the second favourites in this upcoming clash. Given how tight the title race was last season, Guardiola should realise that he cannot have any more slip-ups even at this stage of the season.
Team News: Benjamin Mendy has spent more time on the treatment table than on the field ever since his arrival at the club, and he is expected to miss out again. He is back in training but could be still some time away from becoming match fit. Leroy Sane is going to be a long term absentee. John Stones is also unlikely to be available as he missed the game against Spurs due to a quadriceps injury.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup Vs Bournemouth
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Ederson was a major culprit for conceding the first goal against Spurs and Guardiola would want him to stay focused in goal. The Brazilian should start. Nicolas Otamendi who featured sporadically last season has got his chance to impress and will start in defence. He should be partnered by Aymeric Laporte in the heart of the defence.
Oleksandr Zinchenko was cramping up late on against Spurs, but he should be ready for this tie. Kyle Walker is expected to keep his place on the right side of the back four.
Midfield
Guardiola’s big summer signing Rodri is expected to start in the deepest role in midfield. Kevin De Bruyne was almost unplayable in the first 45 against Spurs, and he should start in central areas. The experience of David Silva might complete the midfield three for Guardiola. Ilkay Gundogan could miss out.
Attack
Bernardo Silva has emerged as one of the best players in the Premier League in the past season, and he should start on the right flank. Raheem Sterling will start down the left, but he will often drift through the middle. Sergio Aguero and Pep Guardiola were caught in a heated discussion when the Argentine was taken off in the last game. We thought that Gabriel Jesus provided sharper movement and energy after he came on and the Brazilian might just get the nod ahead of his South American counterpart.
