Manchester City have named a strong line-up to go toe-to-toe against AFC Bournemouth ahead of their contest on Saturday.
Alan Shearer predicted Manchester City to come away with a routine victory against Andoni Iraola’s side at the Vitality Stadium, despite the Cherries giving Aston Villa a tough time out during both sides’ 1-1 draw.
Pep Guardiola did not name a full-strength team against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup; with youngsters like James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly earning rare starts while Erling Haaland was rested.
Spurs capitalised and won 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Manchester City’s side to lock horns with Bournemouth has seen the Catalan name seven changes.
The likes of Stefan Ortega, Rico Lewis, John Stones, Ruben Dias, O’Reilly, McAtee and Savinho have either been benched or excluded from the starting XI.
Ederson Moraes, Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva and Haaland have come into the side once again.
Man City fans react to Kevin De Bruyne return on the bench vs Bournemouth
Kevin De Bruyne’s return to the bench has certainly come as a surprise, who has been unavailable since being injured against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola revealed De Bruyne’s injury has improved with him making a “step forward” in terms of the pain he was feeling earlier.
Manchester City supporters online have expressed their excitement at the return to fitness for their talismanic midfielder.
Another fan wrote: “What a beautiful day to be a Manchester City fan.”
A Manchester City fan said: “KDB [Kevin De Bruyne] and [Jeremy] Doku back”, followed by a ‘fire emoji.’
A City fan wrote: “KDB is back! Come on City!”
Lastly, a Manchester City fan summed up their thoughts by stating: “This is so much more reassuring than I was expecting. Kev back on the bench at least!”
Pep Guardiola discussed De Bruyne’s injury recently by stating that he could become in contention to play after the international break, which could mean he is not set to get minutes on Saturday.
But the away supporters will be delighted to catch a glimpse of the six-time Premier League winner on the bench.
