Manchester City will host Burnley at the Etihad stadium, and Pep Guardiola would be looking to carry on their juggernaut in the Premier League. The Citizens are one of the three teams who are yet to be defeated, and on paper, the Clarets don’t look much of a match.
However, write Sean Dyche’s men off at your own peril as they have it in them to spring a surprise or two. The Clarets are defensively organised, and the club would be looking to get their domestic campaign back on track after they suffered in the league because of the Europa League qualifiers.
Team news
Guardiola is going to receive a massive boost as Kevin De Bruyne is set to be back from injury. They hardly missed him as Bernardo Silva was more than an able replacement. Fabian Delph is also close to returning. After a long time, one can say Guardiola has a fully fit squad available at his disposal.
Manchester City’s Predicted Lineup vs Burnley
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Ederson is a nailed on starter in goal, and he is hardly called into action as City usually dominate the proceedings. At the back, we can expect Guardiola to go in with Aymeric Laporte and John Stones as the centre-back pairing. Vincent Kompany can also get a look in but the manager has been wary of his workload due to injury concerns.
Benjamin Mendy is fit and running again after he was out for a brief period. He should start in the left back role, and his other fullback partner would be the Englishman Kyle Walker.
Midfield
Fernandinho is expected to start in his usual defensive midfield role, and he would shield the back four along with providing the base to attack. Further up front, we can see Kevin De Bruyne for the first time this season in midfield, and the Belgian’s comeback would be a massive boost for the Citizens. David Silva should be the other pick in midfield to complete a solid and competent midfield three.
Attack
Raheem Sterling has hit a rich vein of form, and his performance against Spain was brilliant during the UEFA Nations League tie. He should start down the right flank. Down the left, Leroy Sane should start after Guardiola gave Riyad Mahrez a big opportunity before the international break by starting him against Liverpool. The Algerian wasn’t effective and was also guilty of missing a penalty which could have secured all three points for his side.
Sane on the other hand looked sharp after he came on as a substitute, and the German was the one who won the penalty in the first place. Sergio Aguero should be expected to lead the line over Gabriel Jesus.
