Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji is available to return to the matchday squad for Saturday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.

The Switzerland international missed the Citizens' comfortable 3-0 victory over rivals Manchester United last weekend through suspension, but the defender is in contention to return to Pep Guardiola's side against the Cherries.

Akanji will look to replace either John Stones or Ruben Dias at centre-back, while Kyle Walker is expected to keep his place on the right side of defence as Josko Gvardiol battles with Nathan Ake for a start on the left.

Guardiola has plenty of midfield options at his disposal, but he could be tempted to stick with in-form duo Rodri and Bernardo Silva in central roles – the latter of whom received the Man of the Match award following a brilliant display against Man United.

However, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Kalvin Phillips will all be hoping to force their way into the first XI, while both Stones and Rico Lewis could also take up a midfield role.

Jack Grealish was given the nod ahead of Jeremy Doku to start the Manchester derby on the left flank and he will look to retain his place on Saturday, while Phil Foden may continue on the right after netting against the Red Devils.

Julian Alvarez has been one of the first names on the teamsheet from Guardiola in the absence of injured playmaker Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring), and the Argentine is expected to provide support once again in attack for Ballon d'Or runner-up Erling Haaland, who has scored 11 goals in just 10 Premier League games so far this season.

Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri, Kovacic; Bernardo, Alvarez, Doku; Haaland body check tags ::