Kevin De Bruyne to return - Man City predicted line-up vs AFC Bournemouth

Manchester City will be hopeful for a return to winning ways on Saturday as they travel to the south coast to take on AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League's late kick-off.

The Blues dropped to a draw from a winning position for the second time in two matches on Wednesday night as their first leg round of 16 Champions League tie with RB Leipzig ended in a 1-1 draw. Both games saw City dominate for large periods but neither Nottingham Forest nor their midweek opponents could be put away.

City will need to avoid this misfortune again at the weekend as they bid to close the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal. Early team news from Pep Guardiola suggested that Kevin De Bruyne could be fit enough to return but the fixture comes too soon for Aymeric Laporte and John Stones.

ALSO READ: Guardiola gives injury update

With that in mind, here is how MEN Sport think City should line-up to face the Cherries this weekend.

Goalkeeper - Ederson

Ederson has had his fair share of critics in recent matches and after appearing to be partially at fault against RB Leipzig for their equaliser, those with a bone to pick with the Brazilian will not have quietened down. However, Guardiola looks unlikely to drop him at this stage so you would imagine, if fit, he will start.

Defenders - Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake

Guardiola told the media before the midweek Champions League clash that he always plays with a back four, therefore we have taken him at his word and selected this defensive line. Walker did play more advanced against the German side on Wednesday and it would not be a surprise if he does so again at Bournemouth.

Ake impressed again at left-back and would be welcomed in the City back line should he be