Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva out - Predicted Man City XI vs Bournemouth

Pep Guardiola may have one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League clash when selecting his Manchester City line-up to take on Bournemouth this Saturday.

The Blues only need to beat Young Boys to secure a place in the knockouts with two matchdays to spare, allowing for rest and rotation in the European games heading towards a busy Christmas schedule.

However, it is also an important week in the Premier League. A win over Bournemouth is expected but three points would be well-savoured with the top two facing tricky fixtures this weekend. Arsenal travel to Newcastle in the late Saturday kick-off while Tottenham host Chelsea on Monday evening in what is a banana-skin encounter.

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If both North London clubs fail to win, a victory would see City stay top of the table. So, Guardiola is expected to ring in a few changes ahead of midweek but will be sure to field a strong enough XI.

The goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in last Sunday’s 3-0 win over Manchester United but was also brilliant in helping attacks to develop. His long ball eventually led to Erling Haaland’s second goal at Old Trafford in what was a masterclass in goalkeeper passing.

Manuel Akanji was suspended for the derby but may come in to partner Ruben Dias to allow John Stones a rest with the defender perhaps most liable to injury than his colleagues. Josko Gvardiol could be rotated for this one as Nathan Ake comes in on the left.

There is a shout to start Rico Lewis at right-back but given his promising Champions League exploits, he may be saved for Tuesday. Besides, City do need to keep pace with Arsenal and Tottenham and there is no other