Confirmed Team News for Man City vs AFC Bournemouth: Predicted Lineup and Injury Updates | OneFootball

Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth: Confirmed Team News and Predicted XI

Manchester City will be aiming to reach the semi-finals of the competition for the seventh consecutive season when they face AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. After falling short in last year’s final, when they were defeated by Manchester United, City will be determined to go one step further this time around. Pep Guardiola’s men will be hoping to seal their progression with a strong performance against Bournemouth, but what does the confirmed team news look like ahead of the match?

Confirmed Team News: Ederson and Injuries

Ederson, Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper, is in contention to start after missing the recent 1-1 draw with Brighton before the international break due to an abdominal injury. The Brazilian also withdrew from international duty with his national team, but Guardiola confirmed at a press conference on Friday that Ederson has trained for the past two days.

Photo IMAGO

“Some of [the players] returned a little more tired and need recovery,” Guardiola said. “Ederson trained the last two days.” Although Stefan Ortega has taken the goalkeeper position in the previous rounds of the competition against Leyton Orient and Plymouth, Guardiola refused to confirm if Ortega would retain his place against Bournemouth, adding, “We will see tomorrow.”

Defensive Concerns: Injuries and Fitness Doubts

Manchester City’s defensive options remain stretched, with key players still sidelined. John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji are all unavailable due to injury, meaning that young defender Abdukodir Khusanov is likely to partner Ruben Dias at the heart of the defence. This partnership will be crucial for City, who need to ensure a solid defensive performance to avoid any surprises from Bournemouth.

There were also concerns surrounding Josko Gvardiol’s fitness after he came off during the international break while playing for Croatia in their match against France. However, it is expected that Gvardiol will be available for the Bournemouth clash, providing Guardiola with an additional option in defence.

Photo IMAGO

Midfield and Forward Line: Rotation and Key Players

In midfield, Manchester City will be without the services of Rodri, who remains sidelined with an injury. This absence may see Ilkay Gundogan take up a more prominent role, as he has done on multiple occasions this season. Alongside him, youngster Carlos Gonzalez could make a start as City look to control the midfield against Bournemouth’s pressing game.

Up front, City will rely heavily on their talisman, Erling Haaland, who will likely lead the line. Behind him, Omar Marmoush is expected to feature in the attacking midfield role, with a fierce competition for the two wide positions. Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Savinho, and Jeremy Doku will all be vying for places out wide, adding depth to City’s attacking options.

Photo: IMAGO

Manchester City Predicted XI:

Injuries: Stones, Ake, Akanji, RodriDoubts: Silva, Bobb

Time and Date: 4:30pm GMT on Sunday, March 30, 2025Venue: Vitality StadiumHow to Watch: ITV