Bournemouth v Man City: Predicted Citizens XI for key game in title race

Manchester City will be hoping to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal as they travel to the south coast to face struggling Bournemouth on Saturday.

The reigning champions currently sit second, two points behind The Gunners, who face Leicester City earlier in the day.

Pep Guardiola’s side have trailed Arsenal for much of the season so far, although a 3-1 victory over The Gunners two weeks ago did see them leapfrog their opponents into top spot, albeit briefly.

Kevin de Bruyne, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte were all missing for City’s 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday, and Guardiola could face a number of dilemmas when choosing his side to face Bournemouth.

Here, we predict the XI that the Spaniard could select for the trip to The Cherries.

Goalkeeper

Brazilian Ederson has played every single minute of City’s Premier League campaign so far this term and is set to continue in goal against Bournemouth. Stefan Ortega is yet to make his debut in the top flight.

Defenders

At right-back, England international Kyle Walker is in line to start once again. The ex-Tottenham Hotspur man has been City’s first choice on the right this term, and is set to be so for the remainder of the campaign following Joao Cancelo’s departure.

Akanji has impressed so far during his first season season in England

In the middle, Manuel Akanji looks set to partner Ruben Dias at the heart of City’s defence. John Stones missed the trip to Germany in midweek and won’t be fit to start on Saturday. Aymeric Laporte was also absent against Leipzig, and will miss this match too.

Nathan Ake has often been used at left-back this season and is set to continue in the role. The Dutchman, who is traditionally a centre-back, has enjoyed an increase in his playing time this season.

Midfielders

Spanish international Rodri is set to start once again at the base of City’s midfield. The 26-year-old has been one of City’s most impressive players since joining the club from Atletico Madrid in 2019.

Rodri and De Bruyne are in line to start against Bournemouth

Ahead of him, Kevin de Bruyne could return to the side after missing Wednesday’s trip to Germany. The Belgian has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League in recent seasons, and Guardiola will be relying on him to spearhead City’s title charge in the final weeks of the season.

Portugal international Bernardo Silva has impressed of late, scoring against Nottingham Forest in their last league game, and looks set to keep his place in the side. Ilkay Gundogan could drop to the bench.

Forwards

Jack Grealish has been in fine form of late, scoring twice and providing four assists since the World Cup, and looks set to keep his place on the left of City’s attack.

Grealish has been in good form for City recently

Through the middle, Erling Haaland will be looking to add to his tally of 32 goals across all competitions so far this season. The Norway international started the campaign in sensational form, but his scoring rate has dipped slightly of late.

On the right, Riyad Mahrez looks set to keep his place, having scored against Leipzig in midweek. The Algeria international has scored 12 goals across all competitions so far this term, and will be hopeful of adding to that tally on Saturday.

Predicted XI: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Ake; De Bruyne, Rodri, Silva; Mahrez, Haaland, Grealish