Manchester City will look to bring their title challenge back on track as they visit the south coast for their 3rd fixture of the season against Bournemouth.
City drew their last game against Ronald Koeman’s Everton after Sterling cancelled out a first half Wayne Rooney strike. City played the entire second half with 10 men after Kyle Walker was harshly shown a second yellow late in the second half.
Guardiola made some key tactical switches as he looked to find the elusive equaliser and few players impressed. Raheem Sterling and summer recruit Bernardo Silva are knocking on the doors for a place in the first XI
Here is how City will be expected to line up at the Vitality Stadium in the absence of the suspended Kyle Walker:
Goalkeeper
Ederson
Some could argue that he was at fault for Rooney’s goal but it was rather harsh on him. The Brazilian was impressive with his distribution and his monstrous kicks could catch certain defences out. He will continue to start in goal for the Sky Blues.
Defence
Vincent Kompany (RCB)
The captain will hope to lead from the front after a rather uncharacteristic showing against Everton.
John Stones (CB)
He has not been poor but he is still finding it tough to show why so much money was paid for him. Stones will be hoping to provide grittier displays at the heart of the back 3.
Nicolas Otamendi (CB)
He should be safely starting every game until Guardiola stops using three at the back due to a lack of another centre back. He hasn’t done much wrong so far though.
Midfield
Danilo (RWB)
The side back signed from European Champions will finally get to start a game on his favoured right-hand side as Walker faces suspension. He was instrumental in the build up to City’s goal and it was his cross in the area that finally caused the goal.
Kevin De Bruyne (CM)
Much was expected of him but the Belgian has had a slow start to the season. He will be looking to get things back on track against an underperforming Bournemouth side.
Fernandinho (CM)
Played in numerous positions as City kept finding the right tactics to get the equaliser. Really important player for Pep and will start in his favoured central midfield position.
David Silva (CM)
Silva has been City’s most effective player while on the ball so far this season. He is getting into advanced positions, cutting through defences with his through balls, and looks to have put any talk of being done at City behind him.
Raheem Sterling (LWB)
Manager Pep has said that he has found it difficult to leave out Sterling and after Monday’s goal it will be even more so. He will start in an unfamiliar left wing-back role as Guardiola will try to test his defensive ability.
Attack
Gabriel Jesus (ST)
Jesus had a disappointing outing last time and he will hope to make amends against Bournemouth’s defence that is low on confidence.
Sergio Aguero (ST)
Once again looking like City’s main striker but he will be hoping to score after an uncharacteristic display in front of goal against Everton.
City will line-up with their 3-5-2 despite missing Walker and Mendy as Pep looks to search for the right solution for them.
