Manchester City fans have backed Kevin De Bruyne to make an instant return to action on Saturday evening when his side travel to Bournemouth.
City could be five points short of Arsenal come kick-off at 5.30pm, should the Gunners beat Leicester City earlier today. The Blues have blown respective one-goal leads twice in the past week, drawing at Nottingham Forest last Saturday before doing so again in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at RB Leipzig.
Pep Guardiola was without both De Bruyne and Aymeric Laporte for that trip to Germany and the City boss is hopeful of having the Belgian midfielder back, while Laporte's absence from Friday's training session leaves him doubtful alongside long-term absentee John Stones.
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Blues supporters have backed De Bruyne to come straight back into the side, with Guardiola backed to pick a strong team against Bournemouth. The 31-year-old has been tipped to start alongside Rodri and Bernardo Silva - who have both featured in 23 of City's 24 league games - in an experienced midfield trio.
And Guardiola has been urged to return to turn to the front three that has started seven of the last eight games in all competitions, with Erling Haaland set to lead the line, flanked by Jack Grealish on the left and Riyad Mahrez on the right. Former Aston Villa man Grealish has been enjoying his best form in a City shirt in recent weeks and will likely keep Phil Foden on the bench.
At the back, Blues fans have backed Rico Lewis to make his first start since the 1-0 defeat at Tottenham earlier this month, this time as centre-back alongside Ruben Dias. The 18-year-old has shown his versatility in drifting centrally from full-back but is yet to start in the centre of defence this season.
Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake have been among Guardiola's most dependable players this season, and both have been tipped to start on the right and left side of defence respectively, with Ederson in goal.
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