Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth
Premier League, 2015-16
Date: Saturday, 17 October, 2015
Time: 15:00 BST
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Where to watch: No live coverage in the UK
After being a goal down at home against Newcastle United, Sergio Aguero scored five goals in space of 20 minutes to help Manchester City seal a 6-1 victory over the Tyneside club. Summer signing Kevin De Bruyne also found the back of the net against the Magpies.
The former Chelsea flop will have to play a key role in the upcoming matches for Manuel Pellegrini’s side. In the absence of star midfielder David Silva, De Bruyne will have to step up until the Spaniard returns.
Two defeats in last five matches is something City will be looking o put behind them when they face Premier League newcomers at home this weekend.
Bournemouth have managed only two wins in the league this season. They are expected to have a tough time when they face City in their own backyard. Eddie Howe’s side will have to make sure they remain compact as a defensive unit and do not allow the league leaders to break through their back four.
A victory for Bournemouth would be an upset and will have a ripple effect at the top of the table. The visitors will be hoping to seal three points when they face City at the Etihad on Saturday.
Team News
Aguero and Silva picked up injuries while on international duty. The star duo are set to be out of action for a while and will miss crucial fixtures in the Champions League and also the Manchester derby against Manchester City.
In the absence of the Argentine international, Wilfried Bony will lead City’s frontline in the upcoming fixtures. Aleksandar Kolorov has been ruled out with a thigh injury. Summer signing Fabian Delphy is still far away from returning from hamstring injury, while Gale Clichy is on the sidelines with a foot injury.
Callum Wilson suffered an ACL injury, which has ruled him out for most part of the season. Ma Gradel also suffered a similar injury and he is also set to retun along with Wilson.
Achilles Tendinopathy injury has ruled Tommy Elphick and he will miss the weekend league clash against City.
Possible Lineups: Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth
Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Otamendi, Kompany, Demichelis; Fernandinho, Fernando; Navas, De Bruyne, Sterling; Bony
AFC Bournemouth: Boruc; Francis, Cook, Distin, Daniels; Ritchie, Gosling, Surman, Pugh; King, Murray
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