After a disappointing result against Newcastle United, Manchester City will be desperate to recover when they travel to the Turf Moor to face Burnley on Tuesday. The Citizens are currently trailing the league leaders Liverpool by a whopping 11 points and collecting all three points is imperative as they seek to keep their title hopes alive.
Here is how Pep Guardiola’s men may feature against the Clarets this midweek.
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
Guardiola may look to make some changes to the side that drew with Newcastle United at the weekend. Joao Cancelo is expected to replace Kyle Walker at right-back. The Portuguese international will be keen to impress, knowing it will help him potentially become the club’s first-choice right-back.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is an option, on the opposite end of the pitch. But, Guardiola is likely to persist with Benjamin Mendy, who will look to redeem himself after a disappointing display against Newcastle.
Man City will continue to miss out on the services of Aymeric Laporte, meaning Fernandinho could once again start in central defence, alongside John Stones. These two need to be far more responsible, especially against a sharp attacking Burnley side, who are capable of causing an upset.
There is no one replacing Ederson in goal. The Brazilian will be hoping to put an end to his dismal run of form, having failed to keep a clean sheet in any of his last five competitive matches.
Midfield
Ilkay Gundogan is set to make way for Rodri in the holding midfield role in midweek. The Spaniard started on the bench against the Magpies. His presence in the number six slot, could, however, allow Gundogan to play in a more advanced role, at the expense of David Silva.
The German international will likely be partnered by the ever-present figure of Kevin de Bruyne, who was one of the top performers in the draw with the Magpies on the weekend.
Attack
The Man City attack will once again be led by Gabriel Jesus, due to the absence of Sergio Aguero. It will be interesting to see how the Brazilian fares against Burnley, especially with the Manchester derby just around the corner.
Elsewhere, Raheem Sterling is a guaranteed starter at left-wing while Riyad Mahrez could make way for Bernardo Silva on the opposite flank.
