- Guardiola asked about Burnley’s chances against Arsenal
- Confirms whether he will watch game
- City need Gunners to drop points
Burnley have already been relegated from the Premier League, but Manchester City need them to step up against Arsenal.
It was the Citizens who sank Burnley down to the Championship, defeating them 1-0 at Turf Moor last month.
Scott Parker was replaced by Mike Jackson, and the manager was able to lead his team to a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa just over a week ago.
Man City now require a favour from the Clarets, but taking points off Arsenal is no easy feat. In fact, Mikel Arteta’s team have won 67 per cent of their Premier League matches this season.
Pep Guardiola does not expect Burnley to lie down against Arsenal.
The contrast between Arsenal and Burnley has been huge. To be precise, the clubs are separated by 58 points.
However, the Premier League is known for being competitive, and Pep Guardiola has no doubt that Burnley will give it their best shot on Monday night.
Speaking in his press conference, Guardiola said: “Here in England the teams always do their best, for example Leeds who are already safe and play Spurs away and play incredible and take a draw.
“Brighton yesterday are playing for Europe and Leeds win. I don’t have any doubts [Burnley] will try.”
Asked about whether he would watch the game, the managed replied: “I don’t know, maybe I will take a look for sure.”
Man City need Burnley to get a result
If Burnley fail to take any points away from Arsenal, it is over to Crystal Palace to stop them from winning the Premier League.
However, the Eagles will be looking ahead to the Conference League final, as they have nothing but their own self-esteem to play for in the Premier League.
This does not mean Palace will just give up, but their motivation levels will be minimal in comparison with Arsenal’s.
The same could be said of Burnley, but as they have no important match to prepare for, they are more likely to go out and play with purpose.
So if either team is going to get a result against Arsenal, Burnley seem the more likely of the two sides.
City still have a job to do
It is all well and good if Burnley draw with, or even defeat Arsenal. However, this will not matter if Man City stumble against either Bournemouth or Aston Villa.
The Cherries are in terrific form, and have been exceptionally tough to get the better of, going unbeaten since January.
Therefore, Man City need to focus on their own challenge and make sure they are able to capitalise if Arsenal do drop points.
As Guardiola later said in his pre-match press conference: “It is important to arrive at the end with options. All you want is to arrive in the last game with our people.”
