How Man City should line up vs Bournemouth in the Premier League

Manchester City face a testing trip to the south coast today to play Bournemouth, knowing that a win would bring them to within a single point of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The Merseysiders play in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, so City's fixture at the Vitality Stadium is their crucial game in hand, meaning three points is vital, especially with fellow title chasers Arsenal in action in the late Saturday fixture.

Pep Guardiola will be without Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol as they continue their recovery from injuries. Kevin De Bruyne was an unused substitute against Brentford as the manager took the decision not to risk him as he returns from his long-term hamstring problem. He told yesterday's press conference that De Bruyne would travel to Bournemouth, but the availability of the Belgian looks set to remain unclear until the team news is announced..

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Read how our writers think City should line up below and use the interactive team selector to pick your own starting XI to face Bournemouth:

PICK YOUR BEST CITY TEAM HERE:

Rico Lewis took several strides forward the last time City played at Bournemouth and this feels like a good opportunity to bring the youngster back into the lineup after a lot of time on the bench. John Stones can also play alongside Ruben Dias, with Nathan Ake returning at left-back.

City's balance has been slightly off over the last two games and you wonder if this is finally the game where Julian Alvarez's run of starting every league match comes to an end. Mateo Kovacic would provide more balance to the midfield with Phil Foden and Rodri.

Kevin De Bruyne isn't