Manchester City vs.AFC Bournemouth: Predicted Line-up

Manchester City vs. Bournemouth: Predicted Line-up

Manchester City's Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero (C) scores his team's third goal during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on August 25, 2019. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 22: Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City wait to take a free kick during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on May 22, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /

De Bruyne

KEEPS HIS PLACE – I have had much debate about this. Apparently De Bruyne doesn’t play well in the heat because he’s ginger. He didn’t have a particularly great game on Sunday. Misplaced passing and sloppiness.

Whilst it could be down to lack of fitness, it could well have been down to the heat down in London. With temperatures to soar on Saturday in Manchester, will Pep protect the pale ginger bloke and leave him on the bench?

I doubt it. Even on an off day De Bruyne has the talent to produce a perfectly weighted pass to create goal scoring opportunities.

I don’t want to talk about his stats because it would be blasphemy. But he got himself an assist so let us focus on that.

Gundogan

KEEPS HIS PLACE – Gundogan made the starting XI on Sunday, captaining Manchester City to their first Premier League win of the season. A silky Ilkay turn and through ball to Haaland that led to the penalty.

It would be harsh to leave him on the bench for Manchester City’s first home game of the season after his most recent display. 62 passes, 3 accurate long balls, 4 recoveries and a chance created.

However, with Bernardo rested he might opt to start the little Portuguese for a bit of magic on the field. Or will Pep be as fed up with the Bernardo rumours as the rest of us and keep him out of the spotlight?