Man City vs Bournemouth Predicted XI as Jeremy Doku Injury Forces Attacking Reshuffle
Manchester City open their Premier League season at home to Bournemouth with one immediate problem, Jeremy Doku is out. The Belgian went off at half-time in the Community Shield and the expectation is that a calf injury will rule him out for several weeks. For Enzo Maresca, that means changes straight away.
The basic shape stays the same. The details change. Erling Haaland leads the line, as expected, but the three behind him now need reworking. Phil Foden looks set to move from the No10 role to the right, Antoine Semenyo shifts over to the left, and Rayan Cherki gets the central attacking berth.
Jeremy Doku Injury Alters Man City Attack
Doku gives City directness, pace and a one v one threat few can match. Without him, the attack becomes more technical and more dependent on combinations. That may suit Cherki, who is at his best receiving between the lines, and it gives Foden a familiar wide starting point before drifting infield.
Jack Grealish is the wildcard. He did well after replacing Doku last time out, but his position remains uncertain while questions over his future continue. He may be involved, he may not. Right now, the safer call is caution.
Enzo Maresca Set for Stable Selection Elsewhere
Beyond the forward line, there should be little movement. Gianluigi Donnarumma was not convincing in the last outing, but dropping him now would create more noise than sense. Expect him to start behind Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly.
In midfield, Mateo Kovacic looks ready. Elliot Anderson has more to show after a quiet debut, but he should keep his place. City also have three absentees for transfer reasons. Savinho and Omar Marmoush are closing in on moves to Tottenham, while Rodri is out after completing his switch to Barcelona.
Man City Predicted XI vs Bournemouth
Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Kovacic, Anderson, Foden, Cherki, Semenyo, Haaland.
Injured: Doku, Nunes.
Kick-off is 2pm BST on Sunday, August 23, at the Etihad Stadium.
