Burnley will look to bounce back following a disappointing last-minute defeat to Liverpool in midweek as they travel to Manchester to face league leaders Manchester City in the third round of the FA Cup this weekend.
The 89th-minute equalizer from Burg Gudmundsson was completely nullified when the Burnley defence lost their focus to allow Ragnar Klavan score a final minute winner in their midweek stunner. The Clarets are currently experiencing a rough patch, following a sensational first half of the season.
They are yet to register a single win in their last five matches all competition and bowing out of the FA Cup will only add salt to the wound this weekend. Therefore, Sean Dyche’s men will be fully prepared to face the mighty Manchester City, who will be full of confidence following their 3:1 thrashing of Watford in midweek.
Here’s the predicted 4-2-3-1 Burnley lineup to feature against the Citizens this weekend.
Defence
Nick Pope is once again expected to start in goal for Burnley with first-choice keeper Tom Heaton sidelined due to a shoulder injury.
Matthew Lowton could replace Phil Bardsley, who started in the last couple of matches, as the right-back while Charlie Taylor will appear as the left back.
In central defence, James Tarkowski should once expect another tough outing. This time against the mighty Manchester City. The former Brentford defender will be a key cog in defence and will be partnered by another impressive centre back in Ben Mee.
Midfield
Jeff Hendrick will likely be benched after an ineffective against Liverpool. He will be replaced by Ashley Westwood in the midfield, who will be partnered by Jack Cork and Steven Defour. The Belgian midfielder, Defour, in particular, will be an important creative outlet for the Clarets against City this weekend.
Scott Arfield is not expected to be included in the lineup while Robbie Brady remains a long-term absentee, meaning Nahki Wells could be a starter against Manchester City. He will be deployed as the left winger while Berg Gudmundsson will once again look to produce a moment of magic, on the other side, to help his team get over the line against the Premier League leaders this weekend.
Attackers
Striker Ashley Barnes was one of the most impressive players in midweek’s defeat against Liverpool but is expected to be benched for this clash. Therefore, Sam Vokes will be the man to lead the charge for Burnley this weekend.
