It’s been a packed few weeks of games either side of an international break (only a break for some of our lads of course) and, so, I can see some changes for this home game against 8th-place Bournemouth this afternoon.
That’s not to say I, we, our players nor Pep himself should take this game as ‘a given’; in fact, huge respect to our visitors for continuing to stick in & around the top 3rd group of teams…and that’s despite 3, back-to-back league defeats!
But there are some players who just need some flippin’ time out ahead of a busy, Christmas (I’m allowed to say it as it’s the December 1st) period of games and with doubts over some of our players ahead of this one too, it’s gonna be hard for me to predict.
v AFC Bournemouth
 |
| Etihad Stadium |
Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:
(Number correct
from starting line-up in the last game: 8/11).
Fluid 4-5-1 / 4-3-3:
____________________Aguero____________________
Zinchenko_________________________________Danilo
____________________Ederson____________________
Ederson first
on the team sheet, of course.
Here’s a changed back-4, if I’m
correct, with Oleksandr asked to play again after our 2-2’er in midweek;
Danilo gets a start and on his preferred right-hand-side and in between those,
I think we’ll see an old-familiar pairing of Nicholas & Captain Vinny.
Fabian to step into Fernandinho’s role as defensive midfielder; David
likely to be asked to ‘go again’, I’m sure, and I….THINK we might see a start for Phil, who many believe
should have been given a run-out to some degree in France last Tuesday (and I agree). On the attacking flanks is likely to be Leroy & Raheem, who will
be back out wide where he belongs (midfield just didn’t seem
to work for him in the last game).
Although he could do with a break himself, I think we’ll see Sergio
start again and perhaps be withdrawn early on in the 2nd half if
possible.
Aro the reserve stopper; Aymeric & John provide the defensive
replacement options (with options also to reshuffle the pack at the back from
players in the starting 11). Fernandinho as defensive midfield insurance, while
Brahim, Riyad & Gabriel (if deemed okay) provide the more attacking options
form the side.
Notable
absences:
-
Kyle Walker – One who even looks,
at times, like he needs a break and, so,
that’s what I’m predicting.
-
Ilkay Gundogan – Just unsure but as he can
be a big fragile; if there is any doubt then I’m guessing he won’t be risked.
-
Bernardo Silva – Such a key player to risk with
Kevin still out so if there IS a doubt, I’m assuming that he won’t be risked at all ahead
of an away, league game just 3 days later.
-
Kevin De Bruyne – Injured for about another 4 weeks.
Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?
Everyone in their
place and can’t see any weaknesses there!
Result? With
a changed back-4 and players such as Ryan Fraser, Callum Wilson &
Joshua King who can hurt teams, there is an argument to suggest that
The Cherries might breach our usually, tight defence. And they’re a
hard-working, organised bunch too.
But we’re on fire at the moment and despite
any possible personnel changes, we’re just gonna have too much for these at
home and over the 90+ minutes.
It’s another 3 points for us.
Last season’s,
corresponding pre-match prediction and result…
Prediction: Win.
Result: Win.
Expected weather conditions during
the game: Dull, wet, slightly chilly (around 9C) and with a bit of a breeze. Yuk!
