How Manchester City could line up against Bournemouth

De Bruyne and Laporte were both struck down with a bout of illness earlier in the week and subsequently missed the 1-1 draw away against RB Leipzig in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.

However, the Citizens pair could recover in time for the trip to the Vitality Stadium, while John Stones remains their only injury concern as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

Pep Guardiola opted to revert back to a more traditional four-man defence against Leipzig, with Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake all protecting Ederson between the sticks. While the Catalan boss could stick with a back four on Saturday, rotation may be on the cards considering defensive changes have been made to the City side in each of the last 12 matches.

Pending a late fitness check, Laporte could be one of those who is recalled, with Rico Lewis also in contention to return, while Bernardo Silva may be required to revert back to an interchanging left-back/midfield role should Guardiola start with only three natural defenders.

Ilkay Gundogan and Rodri are set to retain their places in centre-midfield, but should either be handed a rest, Kalvin Phillips could step up to and receive just his second start since arriving in the summer, while highly-rated January addition Maximo Perrone is another option, although a start is unlikely.

Phil Foden will push Riyad Mahrez for a place on the right flank, while Jack Grealish is set to continue on the left as Erling Braut Haaland - who has scored more Premier League goals (26) than the entire Bournemouth team (21) so far this season - leads the line; Julian Alvarez will also be pushing to start in attack having watched on as a substitute in each of the last four games.

Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte; Rodri, Bernardo; Foden, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish; Haaland