The 3 key battles as Bournemouth host Manchester City in the Premier League this evening

Adam Smith vs Leroy Sane

Bournemouth have a few defensive concerns heading into this evening’s clash, and with how well City have looked going forward in recent weeks, they will need their best players on the pitch to combat it.

One of which is right-back Adam Smith, who missed the defeat at Everton last week and is a minor doubt for tonight’s game.

The 25-year-old has made 22 appearances in the Premier League this term, scoring once as well as laying on four assists to underline his credentials as a good, attacking right-back.

However, should he start this evening, he’ll come up against City’s ever-improving youngster Leroy Sane, who has been in fine form since the turn of the year.

The German international has scored twice in four games in 2017, and although he didn’t net against either West Ham or Swansea, he has looked dangerous down the left, and is clearly full of confidence given the faith Guardiola has placed in him.

The 21-year-old loves to take defenders on and, with Smith liking to get forward himself, as well as Bournemouth’s recent defensive struggles, he’ll relish the chance of taking them on this evening.