Oscar Bobb and £31m signing – Three Man City players who could be axed vs Bournemouth
Pep Guardiola will be keen to avoid any major surprises when Man City face Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.
Andoni Iraola has hugely impressed on the south coast, with the Cherries currently sitting second in the Premier League table before taking on the Citizens on Sunday, 2 November.
Their opponents, Man City, lost 1-0 to Aston Villa last time out, before returning to winning ways against Swansea City in the Carabao Cup. It has been a rocky season so far for the Catalan’s side.
Divine Mukasa was given a rare chance to shine, but with the attacker only being 18 years of age, his departure from the starting lineup is likely a given.
Instead, here are three senior players who could be dropped ahead of this weekend’s clash.
Oscar Bobb
Savinho nearly joined Tottenham during the summer, but since being given a chance to shine, the Brazilian has gone from strength to strength on the right flank.
Therefore, with the Cherries extremely difficult to break down, Oscar Bobb could be one of the attackers to make way after a less-than-inspiring display against Championship outfit Swansea.
While the Norway international did create a couple of chances, he barely had an opportunity in front of goal, failed to complete a dribble, and won just 25 per cent of his ground duels [FotMob].
Rico Lewis
Whoever starts at right-back is extremely likely to go face-to-face with Antoine Semenyo. That is an extremely difficult task, and one that leaves most defenders white in the face.
Rico Lewis is more than capable at full-back, but since Matheus Nunes was transformed into a makeshift defender, City have looked far more secure down the right flank.
The battle against Semenyo is truly where the game could be won or lost for Guardiola, so it is vital that the manager plans appropriately for going up against one of the league’s most talented wingers.
James Trafford
This is absolutely nothing against James Trafford. The goalkeeper arrived from Turf Moor on a £31million deal during the summer [Sky Sports], with the dream of being No.1, but that was quickly squashed.
While many were uncertain about the move for Gianluigi Donnarumma, myself included, the Italy international has improved the back line massively, making several key saves already.
Trafford barely put a foot wrong in the Carabao Cup, but with a world-class shot-stopper available on the bench, it is difficult to argue against the former Burnley man being dropped to the bench.