Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City seemed to have lost the plot earlier this year but having found some impressive form recently, they are back in contention for a place in the Champions League next season. They have an outside chance of lifting the title but the manager will know that finishing in the top-4 should be their priority this season. The Citizens have now won each of their last two league game comfortable and will hope to continue their winning run this weekend when they travel to the Dean Court to face Eddie Howe’s side that is fresh from a 6-3 loss against Everton a the Goodison Park. A loss in this game can put Coty completely off the title race while a victory will consolidate their place in the top-4. Here is the strongest lineup that Guardiola might field for this game:
The Citizens have now won each of their last two league game comfortable and will hope to continue their winning run this weekend when they travel to the Dean Court to face Eddie Howe’s side that is fresh from a 6-3 loss against Everton a the Goodison Park. A loss in this game can put Coty completely off the title race while a victory will consolidate their place in the top-4. Here is the strongest lineup that Guardiola might field for this game:
Team News:
Manchester City are still without the services of star midfielder Ilkay Gundogan for this tie. However, he remains the only absentee in this game for the Citizens.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Willy Caballero:
Having replaced Bravo as the first choice goalkeeper for Manchester City, Caballero is expected to start this game for Manchester City.
Bacary Sagna:
The full-back has been decent in recent outings and Pep Guardiola is expected to stick with him for this crunch tie.
John Stones:
Though not at his best recently, Stones is still the first choice center back for Guardiola and should start this tie at the weekend.
Nicolas Otamendi:
The most trustworthy defender for City this season, Otamendi has been in decent form and is expected to put in a decent performance against the Cherries,
Aleksandar Kolarov:
Though ineffective recently, Kolarov is an impact player for Manchester City and should start this game as a left-back.
Fernandinho:
The Brazilian was superb in his previous outing for Manchester City and is expected to keep his place in the midfield for his side.
Yaya Toure:
The Ivory Coast international has cemented a place in the starting XI at the club after a slow start and is now one of the first names on the team sheet for Manchester City.
David Silva:
The Spanish playmaker is the most important player for the side this season and is expected to create the chances that Manchester City needs to finish the Cherries off.
Raheem Sterling:
The former Liverpool man has been an important part of the plans for the manager at the club and he should start on the right wing for Manchester City.
Kevin de Bruyne:
The Belgian has also been electric in recent games for Manchester City and is one of the first names on the team sheet for Pep Guardiola this season.
Gabriel Jesus:
Having put in some incredible performances recently, Jesus has pushed Sergio Aguero to the bench this season and there is little reason as to why he should not start this game.