Manchester City can leapfrog high-flying Bournemouth in the Premier League table this weekend when the sides lock horns at the Etihad Stadium.
Bournemouth’s staggering start to the campaign means they currently lead the Cityzens by two points. The Cherries have only been defeated by Liverpool in their opening match, with their unbeaten league run extended to eight matches by victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend.
However, their form will be put to the ultimate test this weekend in Manchester. The south coast side will have to match the might and riches of Pep Guardiola’s squad—an assignment they have failed to complete on every previous trip to the Etihad. They have lost all but one Premier League match with the eight-time champions, with their sole triumph coming at the Vitality Stadium last season.
City suffered a setback in their bid to reclaim the Premier League title last weekend as they were beaten by Aston Villa, but they returned to winning ways in the Carabao Cup midweek as they came from behind to beat Championship side Swansea City 3–1.
Still, Guardiola’s men are playing catch-up to Arsenal at the summit, with victory against tricky opposition vital on Sunday afternoon.
Guardiola has confirmed that Rodri should feature in the City squad this weekend having been absent since early October. The Spaniard, who remains integral to his side’s success, is unlikely to start, but could play some part at the Etihad.
Guardiola has also revealed that Erling Haaland, the Premier League’s top scorer with 11 goals, is available after a slight injury scare. He blanked at Villa last weekend, but will be raring to get back on the scoresheet against the Cherries.
With Rodri and Haaland both available, City have zero absentees for the clash with Bournemouth. Having selected a second-string XI in the main against Swansea on Wednesday, Guardiola will revert to a more familiar lineup on Sunday.
Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Bournemouth’s only injury concern, Evanilson, is available this weekend having trained for the majority of the week. The Brazilian striker has been absent since the beginning of October.
However, his route back into the starting lineup is currently being blocked by Eli Junior Kroupi, the 19-year-old sensation having scored four goals in his last three Premier League appearances.
Bournemouth will be reliant on the brilliance of Antoine Semenyo at the Etihad, with the Ghana international having only been outscored by Haaland in the league this term. He has six goals for the Cherries and is looking to return to the scoresheet after two games without finding the net.
