Manchester City made it four wins in a row in all competitions after the defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. Following Manchester United’s defeat against Tottenham last night, City once again moved 15 points clear at the top of the table. It was a routine win over West Brom who are at the bottom of the table but things could get a lot harder against Burnley come Saturday.
Sean Dyche’s side are strong at home and have a solid defensive record this season. City have won their last four outings against the Clarets but their last away trip wasn’t the most straightforward games they narrowly edged their opponents 2-1.
City have done well against low-blocks so far this season and considering the last two score lines against Burnley, expect Dyche’s side to stay back and play on the counter even though pressing City is perhaps the best possible way to counter their immaculate passing.
City have a few injury concerns. While Leroy Sane was ruled out owing to a ligament injury after the FA Cup game against Cardiff, David Silva picked up an injury against West Brom and could miss out this weekend.
Gabriel Jesus remains injured and won’t play a part. Here’s how Manchester City could line up against the Clarets…
Defence
Aymeric Laporte had a pretty solid debut in John Stones’ absence and could continue at the heart of the defence alongside Nicolas Otamendi. Danilo might feature as the left-back with Kyle Walker starting on the opposite side. In goal, we expect Ederson to start once again.
Midfield
Silva’s absence will be a blow but in Ilkay Gundogan, City have an able replacement. The German will play alongside Fernandinho and Kevin De Bruyne in a three-man midfield. Fernandinho, who scored the opening goal last time out, will play as the deepest midfielder while De Bruyne and Gundogan will play more advanced roles.
De Bruyne was a big influence, as ever, last time out and his goal and assist helped City to a routine win.
Attack
With Sane not available, Bernardo Silva could once again start on the right. The Portuguese has done well in his first season and will have the chance to prove his worth in the coming weeks. Raheem Sterling’s output has been incredible this season and he’ll be expected to do more of the same on the left. Club record-scorer Sergio Aguero will lead the line in Jesus’ absence.
