Pep Guardiola could make just one change to his Manchester City side against Bournemouth.
Manchester City will be back on their travels on Saturday following two home matches in the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola’s side were held to a disappointing draw by Chelsea last Saturday but returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Brentford on Tuesday.
The win saw City leapfrog Arsenal back to second place and come within a single point of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp’s side restored their four-point advantage with a win on Wednesday, so City need to defeat Bournemouth to keep the pressure on.
With a lot to play for, Guardiola might make just one change to his starting XI for the match.
Predicted Manchester City team vs Bournemouth
Kevin De Bruyne is thankfully set to make the trip to the south coast but there is still little need to throw him into the starting XI.
With huge matches against Manchester United and Liverpool on the horizon, it would be wise to use the brilliant Belgian sparingly rather than risk another hamstring injury.
If he feels up to it the £54m man can always come on off the bench, but otherwise, he shouldn’t be starting just yet.
Especially when, in his place, Phil Foden can get another opportunity in a central midfield position alongside Julian Alvarez with Rodri in behind.
Jeremy Doku can come in for Oscar Bobb on the left in the only change while Jack Grealish remains unavailable.
Bernardo Silva could continue on the right in support of lone striker Erling Haaland.
The back-line may be left unchanged. Manuel Akanji put in a player-of-the-match display against Brentford at left-back in place of the injured Josko Gvardiol.
The Swiss should stay there with Ruben Dias, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Ederson making up the rest of the defence.
Predicted Man City starting XI vs Bournemouth: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Akanji; Rodri, Bernardo, Alvarez, Foden, Doku; Haaland.
