Manchester City vs. Bournemouth: Predicted Line-up
By Laura Graves
Cancelo
KEEPS HIS PLACE – Cancelo was the busiest of defenders, though the term defender for the Portuguese feels like undervaluing him. Making contributions both defensively, attacking and control of the game.
Cancelo pulled off a great performance to start the season off. 111 passes, 5 accurate long balls, 8 recoveries, 7 duels won and 100% tackle success rate. He’s much more natural in the inverted role than Walker, though solid base with the two together.
Phillips
MDFIELD CHANGE – Rodri performed an absolute masterclass on Sunday. With 101 passes, 100% tackle success rate, 7 recoveries and 7 duels won, he stabilised the midfield to allow De Bruyne and Gundogan to roam forward.
He absolutely does not deserve to lose his place. I guess these are the conundrums when we have such quality within the squad. However, with Bournemouth a newly promoted side, could we see Phillips with an opportunity to make his first start of the season and prove his quality in a presumably highly physical game?