Manchester City return to Premier League action today when they face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season against the Cherries. But Andoni Iraola’s side will likely be a tricky opponent for the world champions today. A tough test awaits Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium today.
Manchester City team news.
The champions will head to the Vitality Stadium with a host of injury concerns. Rodri and Oscar Bobb are definitely out of today’s game with long-term injuries. Kyle Walker, Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish are all unavailable for today’s match as it stands.
Then it gets interesting. Firstly, Pep Guardiola informed the media yesterday that Kevin De Bruyne is progressing in his recovery from a groin injury. Despite the positive update, it would appear that today’s game is too soon for De Bruyne to return.
Manchester City’s other injury concerns are Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol, Savinho and Ruben Dias. All four players came out of City’s Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Tottenham with minor injury issues. Their availability will be known when Manchester City’s squad is released ahead of kick-off at the Vitality Stadium.
Predicted City starting eleven.
Ederson: The Brazilian international sat out City’s defeat to Tottenham on Wednesday evening. I expect him to start today’s match against Bournemouth.
Rico Lewis: Lewis has carried a heavy workload so far this season. He has been more than up to it and will likely start at the Vitality Stadium.
Ruben Dias: Dias played the first half against Spurs before being substituted. He will likely start today given his impressive start to the season.
John Stones: I expected Stones to start in defence. Akanji is in doubt and Stones has been in good form of late.
Josko Gvardiol: The Croatian international picked up a knock in the late stages of City’s mid-week defeat. If he has overcome that I see no reason why he won’t start at left-back.
Mateo Kovacic: Kovacic is almost a certain starter today. He has been in fine form and should resume his duties in midfield today.
Ilkay Gundogan: Gundogan has started this season slowly but with City’s injury situation he will likely start today. I’m expecting him to come good sooner rather than later and today’s match would be the perfect time for Gundogan to return to form.
Bernardo Silva: City’s most important player will have a key role to play today.
Phil Foden: City’s Boy Wonder wasn’t at his best against Tottenham. He should start today and City need a big performance from Foden.
Matheus Nunes: The Portuguese international has made the left wing his own in recent games. That form and City’s injuries should see him start.
Erling Haaland: Haaland had a rest and should be fit and ready for a big performance today. If he is at his best he may well decide today’s game.
