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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Grealish dropped as Mahrez returns - the Man City line-up fans want to see vs Bournemouth

Manchester City fans would make a change to their starting line-up today ahead of the visit of AFC Bournemouth to the Etihad Stadium.

City started their Premier League title defence positively last weekend with a 2-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium. Erling Haaland was in fine form on his league debut, scoring both goals - one from a penalty he won and the other following a lovely through ball by Kevin De Bruyne. Liverpool's slip-up at Fulham the day prior means that going into the second matchday of the campaign, City are two points clear of the Reds.

The Cherries meanwhile enjoyed a good return to the top flight of English football on the south coast. Goals from Jefferson Lerma and Kieffer Moore ensured that Scott Parker's team were able to see off Aston Villa.

ALSO READ: How City should line-up vs AFC Bournemouth

Looking ahead to this afternoon's encounter with the newly promoted side, City fans are keen to stick with the same back five that started in the capital. This means Nathan Ake would feature against his former club in central defence alongside Ruben Dias.

In midfield, the Blues are without Kalvin Phillips through injury so Rodri remains at the base of a three. De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan also keep their place resulting in no spot for Bernardo Silva.

Bernardo is believed to be wanted by Barcelona but no official bid has yet been received by City for his services. Up top, Blues supporters would make just the one change with Jack Grealish dropping out of the side in favour of Riyad Mahrez.

Pep Guardiola went for Phil Foden and Grealish away at the Hammers but as we often seen the Catalonian boss does not shy away from rotation. Unsurprisingly, Haaland is chosen to lead the line on the back of his brace on the opening weekend.

Manchester City fans have chosen their XI to face Bournemouth (Reach PLC)

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