Manchester City haven’t got off to the flying start they would have hoped this season and the fans in the Transfer Tavern are hopeful of seeing their side improve in the coming weeks.
A hard fought 1-1 draw with Everton on Monday night at least ensured the Citizens are yet to lose in the Premier League this season but the result was largely frustrating, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side already playing catch-up to Manchester United.
The Red Devils have enjoyed a storming start to the season and look to be the side to beat this season in the Premier League, which means Manchester City need to improve their performances and show they’re true credentials.
Guardiola’s side will be looking to pick things up after the upcoming international break but they’ll want a comfortable victory to take into the break, which they’ll look to secure in this weekend’s clash with Bournemouth.
Boasting an array of talent, Manchester City will always be able to field a strong team and their line-up this weekend will be no different.
Hit the navigation buttons below to see the XI Guardiola must select against Bournemouth!
GK: Ederson Moraes
The Brazilian keeper arrived this summer for a hefty price and Manchester City fans are still yet to see the best from the South American, although he admittedly does look a lot better between the posts than Claudio Bravo ever did last season.
Ederson kept a clean-sheet on his Premier League debut against Brighton on the opening weekend and has a high chance of securing his second this weekend against a Bournemouth side who are yet to pick up any points this season.
RB: Danilo
Kyle Walker’s red card in the Monday night draw with Everton means that the former Tottenham Hotspur man is unavailable for the clash with Bournemouth this week, which means that Pep Guardiola needs to reshuffle his defensive line.
Brazilian ace Danilo is therefore likely to move over to his more natural position on the right-hand side and he has a chance to put pressure on Walker, potentially making the position his own and proving his worth for the months ahead.
CB: John Stones
Following a slow start to his life at Manchester City after his transfer from Everton last summer and he’ll be looking to enjoy a more stable campaign this time around, particularly as he pushes for a starting spot in England’s World Cup line-up next summer.
Stones certainly needs to improve this season with his defensive displays but a solid back-line around him should help his performances and could help him establish himself as a key-player within Pep Guardiola’s ranks.
CB: Vincent Kompany
Having shook off further injury problems, veteran Dutch defender Vincent Kompant has established himself as a key-player for the Citizens once again- and he has the chance of ensuring a spot in Belgium’s back-line for next summer’s World Cup.
The 31-year-old’s experience in defence will be crucial in getting the best out of his defensive partner John Stones, who needs a level head like Kompany’s to help guide him into more solid performances. Last year, it was this sort of partner that Stones lacked and Kompany’s return will be crucial.
LB: Benjamin Mendy
The summer signing from Monaco is yet to make his Premier League bow for Manchester City as a thigh injury has ruled him out of the Citizens first two games. However, he returned to training a week ago and could be ready for this weekend’s clash with Bournemouth.
With Kyle Walker suspended and Manchester City lacking options at left-back, Mendy’s return comes at a perfect time for Pep Guardiola and the Frenchman can ensure that his Catalan boss doesn’t have a selection headache this weekend.
CM: Fernandinho
The Brazilian is arguably one of Manchester City’s most underrated players since Pep Guardiola took charge and his holding midfield position will be crucial as the season progresses, as he looks to emulate the performances of N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic in the Premier League.
Manchester City boast an array of attacking stars but it’s their defensive line that is likely to be the difference in the title race and Fernandinho’s position protecting the back-four will be crucial as the season progresses.
CM: Yaya Toure
The Ivorian has enjoyed a new lease of life at Manchester City having initially fallen out of Pep Guardiola’s plans. That’s particularly crucial to the Citizens at the current time as Ilkay Gundogan remains on the sidelines.
With the German ace out, Yaya Toure is the ideal midfield partner for Fernandinho in the weeks ahead and his ability to be an asset in attack, as well as protecting the back-line, means he could become a crucial figure as the season progresses.
RW: Bernardo Silva
Another big money signing from Monaco, fans are keen to see the best of Bernardo Silva but the Portuguese ace has had limited opportunities thus far as he settles into life in the Premier League. However, this weekend is the ideal opportunity for him to start.
Raheem Sterling’s equalising goal off the bench against Everton has left the England international pushing for a start but giving Bernardo Silva his first starting opportunity against Bournemouth this weekend can help the new recruit settle.
CAM: Kevin De Bruyne
One of the finest players in his position in the Premier League, Kevin De Bruyne will carry Manchester City’s hopes for a title this season on his shoulders and the Belgian could certainly be the figure to push the Citizens towards success.
Boasting an eye for goal and superb passing ability, the Belgian should be able to carve open opportunities against Bournemouth and provide the chances for his team-mates to score. On top of this, he’s also capable of finding a goal himself.
LW: Leroy Sane
The German ace had a poor game against Everton on Monday evening but the youngster is a crucial part of Pep Guardiola’s side and will be extremely important as the season progresses. Against Bournemouth, he should start again to boost his confidence.
A match with the Cherries is the sort of game where Sane can create havoc down his flank and he could stand as the match-winner. He’ll need to up his performance levels though as there’s plenty of class ready to replace him in the line-up.
ST: Gabriel Jesus
Brazilian starlet Gabriel Jesus is Manchester City’s leading man for the forthcoming season and it’s a big year for the South American prodigy, as he looks to establish himself firmly in Brazil’s first-team line-up ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Jesus shone in the first half-season in the Premier League but he’ll need to show the best of his ability throughout the full season if he is to be battling at the top of the scoring charts at the back-end of the campaign.
