Midfield Ace To Return: Predicted 4-3-3 Manchester City Lineup vs Bournemouth

Manchester City will hope to keep their winning run going when they face a struggling Bournemouth side at the Etihad on Wednesday.

The Citizens have nothing to play for in the Premier League this season, as they have all but secured second place in the league, and will be buoyed by the fact that their Champions League ban was lifted by UEFA.

Pep Guardiola’s side will want to win as many as they can to build momentum for their Champions League clash against Real Madrid next month.

City cruised to a 5-0 win against Brighton in their last league game, and they will be expected to beat the Cherries come Wednesday.

Manchester City Team News: City striker Sergio Aguero will miss the clash, while right-back Joao Cancelo has a knock.

Let’s take a look at the possible Manchester City lineup for the game against Bournemouth:

Predicted Manchester City Lineup vs Bournemouth

Goalkeeper

The reliable Ederson should start in goal for City, and he could be put under pressure by Bournemouth who will look to press City when they try to play out from the back.

Defence

Pep Guardiola may rest defender Aymeric Laporte for the Bournemouth game as City play Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final just three days later.

John Stones could come into the Manchester City lineup to play alongside Eric Garcia. Oleksandr Zinchenko could start at left-back, while Kyle Walker will most likely start on the opposite side at right-back.

Midfield

Kevin de Bruyne could be given a rest, and Ilkay Gundogan could come in place of the leading assist-maker, if the German is fit.

Fernandinho should replace Rodrigo, while Bernardo Silva could retain his place as the third midfielder in the Manchester City team. If Gundogan is not fit, Rodrigo could feature instead.

Attack

It will be interesting to see if Guardiola rests Raheem Sterling, who is in hot form. Sterling scored a hat-trick last time around against Brighton. If he is rested, David Silva could play on the left side of attack. With Aguero injured, Gabriel Jesus is the only option that Guardiola has.

The Brazilian could start for the Citizens and make way in the second half to keep him fresh for the clash against Arsenal. Riyad Mahrez could also drop to the bench, with Phil Foden replacing him on the right.