Manchester City will look to carry on their winning form when they take on an in-form Burnley side at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts have been formidable in previous games and scored seven goals against Stoke City last weekend. In midweek, the Citizens defeated Italian league leaders Napoli 2-1 in the Champions League to get their third win in a row, putting them three points clear of second-placed Shakhtar Donetsk. Goals from Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus were enough to give the home side a crucial three points as they looked to get qualification to the last 16 wrapped up in quick fashion.
Burnley have had a fantastic start to the season, with only one defeat in eight league games and a superb away record which has seen them defeat champions Chelsea 3-2 on the opening day and draws against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. Chris Wood has been the Clarets’ top scorer in the league so far this season and will be looking to impose himself on City’s back pairing of Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones. Sean Dyche has got his Burnley side playing with more organisation in defence, along with good pace on the counter-attack.
The last time these two sides played was at the same venue last season when City managed to grab a narrow 2-1 victory. Two great goals from Gael Clichy and Sergio Aguero ensured Pep Guardiola’s men the three points, but Ben Mee grabbed a consolation goal for the visitors. Fernandinho received a straight red card for a silly challenge on Johan Gudmundsson, which was the Brazilian’s third red card of that season.
Here is how we think Pep Guardiola will set out his team for the match.
GK - Ederson
Ederson will continue his stint in goal after some impressive performances in recent games.
RB - Kyle Walker
Walker has been a superb addition to the squad and will continue his position at right-back.
CB - John Stones
This will be a big test for Stones as he will be up against the physicality of Chris Wood. Putting in another solid performance will only continue to keep the critics silent.
CB - Nicolas Otamendi
Otamendi has shown improvement in his defensive abilities in recent games, but this match will provide another stern test of his character.
LB - Fabian Delph
Delph has been a great replacement for Benjamin Mendy at left-back, and this match will be another chance for him to prove his worth to Guardiola.
CM - Fernandinho
Ferna dominated the midfield against Napoli in midweek, which will give a lot of confidence going into this weekend’s match. The Brazilian will want to prove that his previous acts of recklessness are no longer in his game.
CM - Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian has been in superior form for the Citizens, with a number of assists and goals to add to his name. Burnley will provide tough opposition, but it will be another opportunity to show the world what he can really do.
CAM - David Silva
The Spaniard has been impressive for the home side, scoring another goal for the home side last weekend against Stoke. He will start behind the striker.
LW - Leroy Sane
Leroy has been superb in recent games and will be looking to continue his scintillating form against the Clarets.
RW - Raheem Sterling
Raheem has been scoring goals for fun, including another good finish against Napoli. Burnley will provide a strict test for the talented winger, but he is capable of rising to the challenge.
ST - Gabriel Jesus
Despite Aguero being fully fit to play for tomorrow’s match, Jesus is likely to start up front on his own to keep the chemistry of the team intact. The Brazilian has been clinical for the Citizens in the last couple of games.