Manchester City will lock horns with nineteenth-placed Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon, hoping to pick up all three points and maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table. The Clarets will be coming into the match on the back of a disappointing 2-0 loss to Brentford, whereas the Citizens recorded a comfortable 4-1 victory over Southampton in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup competition.
Team News
Ruben Dias (hamstring), John Stones (groin) and Ederson (illness) remain doubtful for the trip to Turf Moor.
A statement from the England national team on Monday night read:
“John Stones has left the England camp and returned to Manchester City.”
“Having withdrawn from the starting line-up ahead of Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Switzerland at Wembley, the defender has continued to be assessed.”
“After today’s session at Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground, it was decided that Stones would play no part against Côte d’Ivoire on Tuesday and has returned to his club as a precaution.”
Pep Guardiola will probably opt for the 4-3-3 formation with several tweaks from the last game as Bernardo Silva looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-3-3 Manchester City Predicted Lineup Vs Burnley
Defence
Ederson Moraes will operate in between the sticks for the upcoming clash. The Brazilian shot-stopper will hope to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Saturday.
Nathan Ake will form the centre-half partnership with Aymeric Laporte at the heart of City’s backline.
Kyle Walker will start at the right-back position, whereas Joao Cancelo will fill in on the other flank as the left-back. The full-backs will be expected to stay compact and keep their shape defensively.
The 4th Official uses images provided by the following image agency:
Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.de/)
Imago Images (https://www.imago-images.de/)
Midfield
Rodri might start in the holding midfield position and could be assigned with more of a defensive role to shield the away side’s back-four.
Bernardo Silva will slot into the central midfield role, whereas Kevin de Bruyne is expected to start in the attacking midfield position. The duo would be determined to set up some clear-cut goal scoring chances for the front men.
Ilkay Gundogan will have to settle for a place on the bench, but he could come on to make a cameo appearance in the second half.
Attack
Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez will take up the wide positions, playing on the left and right-wing, respectively.
Phil Foden will lead the line for Manchester City this weekend. The England international will be hoping to get his name on the scoresheet when he faces off against the Burnley defence that conceded nine goals in their last five Premier League games.
