Man City Starting XI vs Bournemouth: Confirmed team news and predicted lineup | OneFootball

Man City vs Bournemouth: Predicted lineup and latest injury updates ahead of Etihad clash

Guardiola weighs up options amid injury returns

Manchester City approach their final home fixture of the Premier League season against Bournemouth with a familiar sense of uncertainty. Not over their ambition or the stakes, but rather who Pep Guardiola can trust to deliver amid a spate of lingering injuries and narrative weight.

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Rodri, long considered City’s on-pitch metronome, has not featured since September due to a serious knee injury. His absence has prompted systemic tweaks, philosophical recalibrations, and intermittent spells of disjointed football. But now, with the Club World Cup looming in June, the Spaniard is nearing readiness and may return to the matchday squad — though he is unlikely to start.

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“Rodri is even better day by day,” Guardiola offered. It was a line heavy with both hope and realism.

De Bruyne’s emotional Etihad farewell?

Much of the spotlight will fall on Kevin De Bruyne, who prepares for what could be his final appearance at the Etihad Stadium. The Belgian’s significance transcends mere statistics. Guardiola, ever measured in his phrasing, spoke with sincerity.

“Kevin wants us to win the game to qualify for the Champions League next season. This is what Kevin wants. I will pick the best team to win the game.”

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He added: “Kevin will get what he deserves in the best moment for what he has done. What we have done would not be possible without Kevin.”

The implication is clear — De Bruyne’s farewell will be managed carefully, perhaps poetically. But Guardiola’s priority remains qualification, not sentimentality.

Fringe players ready to step in

The potential returns of Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Oscar Bobb give Guardiola options, even if none are confirmed starters. “We’ll see. Some players are better,” was his typically opaque response.

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Meanwhile, the likes of Rico Lewis and James McAtee will be eager for inclusion after their Wembley omissions. With uncertainty in wide positions, players such as Savinho and Jeremy Doku may find their places under pressure.

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Man City predicted lineup vs Bournemouth

Predicted XI: Ederson, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Gonzalez, Gundogan, Bernardo, De Bruyne, Marmoush, HaalandDoubts: Rodri, KovacicInjured: Ake (ankle), Bobb (thigh), Stones (thigh)

Match DetailsTime: 8pm BST, Tuesday 20 May 2025Venue: Etihad StadiumWatch: Sky Sports and NOW