Why could Abdukodir Khusanov be left on the bench against Bournemouth?

The new season of the English Premier League is about to begin. Manchester City fans will have one of the most intriguing questions on the opening matchday: will Abdukodir Khusanov play?

The Uzbek defender started the Community Shield match against Arsenal. However, ahead of the game against Bournemouth, he is reportedly among the substitutes rather than in the predicted starting XI.

This has increased interest in how Khusanov's first competitive match of the new season will unfold.

1. Manchester City enters a new era

Major changes are continuing at the club. Enzo Maresca has taken charge of the team, and his first competitive match was the Community Shield against Arsenal.

After losing that match, the Citizens will now look to start their league campaign with a positive result.

The match against Bournemouth will mark the beginning of a new chapter for both Maresca and his players.

2. Khusanov faces increased competition

Abdukodir Khusanov remains involved in fierce competition for a place in Manchester City's defense.

Ruben Dias and Marc Guehi are expected to be preferred at center-back in the predicted lineup. Josko Gvardiol is tipped to play at left-back, with Matheus Nunes at right-back.

That means Khusanov will find it difficult to earn a place in the starting XI.

This is especially true after it was noted that his performance as a right-back against Arsenal did not meet the level expected by the experts.

3. But this is not a negative signal for Khusanov

Being listed among the substitutes in the predicted lineup does not mean that Khusanov's opportunities at the club are over.

On the contrary, Manchester City have a great many matches ahead of them this season. Maresca will need to rotate his defenders and give players opportunities throughout the campaign.

Khusanov's age, physical qualities and ability to play both at center-back and on the flank could give him an additional advantage.

4. What could Manchester City's starting XI against Bournemouth look like?

According to City Xtra expert Enzo Kriger, Manchester City could start with the following lineup:

Substitutes: Rulli, Abdukodir Khusanov, Reijnders, Lewis, Aït-Nouri, Nico, Foden, Grealish and Marmoush.

5. The key for Khusanov is to wait for his opportunity

According to the predictions, the Uzbek player will start the game on the bench. However, even a few minutes in the Premier League can be important for a footballer.

If Khusanov comes on in the second half, he will have another opportunity to prove himself.

Uzbek fans will be watching closely every movement he makes, his involvement in duels and how well he fulfills Maresca's tactical instructions.

6. City may need Khusanov in a 3-2-5 system

The tactical shape Maresca is expected to use is also intriguing.

In possession, Manchester City may adopt a 3-2-5 shape, while without the ball they could switch to a 4-4-2 formation.

Such a system requires defenders to be versatile. Khusanov can play in the center as well as on the flank.

From this perspective, his role during the season may not be limited to that of a substitute.

The answer to the main question

According to the current prediction, Abdukodir Khusanov will start the match against Bournemouth on the bench.

However, this does not mean that the Uzbek defender's opportunities at Manchester City have diminished. The new season is only beginning, and many matches lie ahead.

The most important thing is for Khusanov to make the most of any opportunity he receives.

The Manchester City–Bournemouth match will kick off at 18:00 Tashkent time on August 23. Uzbek fans now have one question on their minds: When will Abdukodir Khusanov play his first Premier League minutes of the new season?

Do you think the revamped Manchester City under Enzo Maresca can retain the Premier League title, and can Abdukodir Khusanov establish himself as a regular starter during the season?

Share your thoughts in the comments and immediately share your analysis of the Citizens' preseason squad with fellow football fans!