Dec 23, 2017 at 3pm UK at ​Etihad Stadium
Attendance: 54,270
Man CityManchester City
4-0
Bournemouth
Aguero (27', 79'), Sterling (53'), Danilo (85')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Smith (63')

John Stones, David Silva back in Manchester City training

Stones, Silva back in City training
© SilverHub
Manchester City duo John Stones and David Silva return to training ahead of Saturday's meeting with Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City duo John Stones and David Silva have returned to training ahead of Saturday's meeting with Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.

Centre-back Stones has been sidelined since injuring his hamstring against Leicester City in November, while Spanish midfielder Silva missed last weekend's win over Tottenham Hotspur.

The recovery of both players comes at an important time, as Pep Guardiola's side look to maintain the defence of their 11-point Premier League lead throughout the Christmas period.

Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, who were the subjects of strong challenges in last weekend's defeat of Spurs, are not injured and Guardiola has said that is important that referees protect players.

"I don't believe the players go to injure another one - it is impossible to think that - but the football is quick, fast and aggressive and the refs have to follow the rules," the Spaniard told the Daily Mail.

"Everybody is squealing about diving here. If they want to punish those who are diving, it's OK but the main thing the ref has to do is protect the players.

"Always we are aggressive and sometimes we get injured. All the teams want to win and want to fight in the best way. I have no doubts that Dele Alli and Harry Kane are top-team players. I am not suspicious or thinking they are dangerous players."

City go into their game against the Cherries looking for a 17th consecutive league win.

Harry Kane rues a missed opportunity in Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League match against Stoke City on December 9, 2017
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2Manchester UnitedMan Utd20134343162743
3Chelsea20133434142042
4Liverpool20108246232338
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs20114539201937
6Arsenal20114537251237
7Burnley209651817133
8Leicester CityLeicester207673030027
9Everton207672430-627
10Watford207492935-625
11Huddersfield TownHuddersfield206591832-1423
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton205691525-1021
13Stoke CityStoke2055102341-1820
14Southampton204792030-1019
15Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2053121930-1118
16Crystal Palace2046101832-1418
17West Ham UnitedWest Ham2046102238-1618
18Bournemouth2045111831-1317
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom202991427-1315
20Swansea CitySwansea2034131131-2013
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