Africa Cup of Nations winner, Riyadh Mahrez has been left out of the Manchester City lineup to play Bournemouth with 2010 World Cup winner David Silva returning to captain the side.
Manchester City drew 2-2 last time out to Tottenham Hotspurs at the Etihad last weekend and Pep Guardiola has made a few changes to his lineup.
Rodri drops to the bench for Ilkay Gundogan while David Silva makes his 400th apperance for the champions.
Absolutely magic! ?♂️
Congrats @21LVA on your 400th City appearance! ?
? #mancity pic.twitter.com/5RlGjZKpts
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 25, 2019
Silva will become the first City player to reach the 400 milestone since Paul Power, who achieved the feat during the 1985/86 season. The Blues’ skipper currently sits in 14th position in the all-time appearances table but could easily reach the top ten in what is likely to be his final season with the Club.
Ederson plays in goal with Laporte, Otamendi, Walker, and Zinchenko back in defence. Pep Guardiola has chosen a midfield trio of Silva, Gundogan, and Kevin De Bryune who was incredible last time out.
Aguero leads the line with Sterling and Bernado Silva operating on the flanks.
Bournemouth have Mepham return to the starting XI to partner Cook in the heart of defence. Nathan Ake plays in the middle of the park alongside Lerma and Billing.
Matchday focus ? pic.twitter.com/jMkgVWCkfS
— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) August 25, 2019
Smith and Daniels operate as full-backs while King and Fraser are deployed on the wings further up the pitch. Callum Wilson leads the line in attack.
“We need to be on top of our game today. We need to defend well but also impose ourselves on the game and play our football. It will be a difficult game but one we are relishing.”
Well said, @RyanFraser94 ?#BOUMCI // #afcb ? pic.twitter.com/aQPfkF3NUa
— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) August 25, 2019
The Cherries have Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson on the bench alongside former Reds; Jordan Ibe and Dominic Solanke.
The last time out at the Vitality Stadium…⏮@Mahrez22's second half strike proved the difference! ?
? #mancity pic.twitter.com/ewvZbqqO6X
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 24, 2019
Manchester City have AFCON winner, Riyadh Mahrez on the bench alongside Copa America champion Fernandinho.
Costa del Bournemouth! ?
? Vitality Stadium
? #BOUMCI #mancity pic.twitter.com/JJ2S1r6RLR— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 25, 2019
Bournemouth have never beaten Manchester City in fourteen previous league meetings and they have lost the last 8 in a row.