MASSIVE SHAKE-UP at Manchester City! How Pep Guardiola’ injury-ravaged squad lines up against Bournemouth!
In the upcoming Bournemouth clash, Manchester City may see a few players back in action despite an ongoing injury dilemma, leaving Pep Guardiola with limited choices for his lineup.
After six players were already sidelined, City’s match against Tottenham compounded their issues. Manu Akanji was ruled out last minute, Savinho left the pitch on a stretcher, and doubts arose about the conditions of Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias. Guardiola mentioned post-match that only 13 players were fit and available, making any positive updates before Bournemouth crucial.
On Thursday, Akanji shared that he felt “fine” and was optimistic about training on Friday, expecting to be fit for Bournemouth. Savinho, though uncertain to play, has reportedly shown encouraging signs and might return sooner than expected.
Hints regarding Gvardiol’s condition came indirectly via social media, where he expressed focus on Saturday’s game. Although Gvardiol required treatment after the match, Guardiola didn’t offer immediate details on his status.
Erling Haaland and Ederson, both rested during the Tottenham game, are anticipated to return to the starting lineup. If Akanji’s recovery is confirmed, he could partner John Stones in defense, as Guardiola revealed Dias is managing some discomfort. Rico Lewis is expected to play, and Nathan Ake may take up a role on the left against his former team, should Gvardiol be unavailable.
Midfield adjustments include the possible return of Mateo Kovacic alongside Bernardo Silva, neither of whom started against Tottenham. Ilkay Gundogan, who exited at halftime, may need to step back in despite a dip in form post-return. Matheus Nunes is likely to stay on the left, which could place Phil Foden on the right, though Guardiola might opt for Bernardo on the right with Foden at the center.
Predicting the bench lineup is challenging, but James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly are expected to be included. The Premier League 2 fixture on Friday could indicate additional youth selections, as players like Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Jacob Wright, and Farid Alfa-Ruprecht, who traveled with the senior squad to Spurs, might once again join City’s roster for the weekend.
Expected Man City XI vs Bournemouth: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Kovacic, Gundogan, Bernardo, Nunes, Foden, Haaland.
