Manchester City begin their title defence at the home of newly-promoted Burnley on Friday evening.
Pep Guardiola’s treble-winners have little left to prove in terms of their dominance of the modern game, yet few would bet against them continuing their utter supremacy by getting off to a rollicking start to the 2023/24 campaign. Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol are the new additions to their squad after the departures of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez, and Guardiola remains optimistic of more signings before the transfer window slams shut.
Having lost the Community Shield to Arsenal on penalties last weekend, Guardiola will be expecting a response from his City side in their season opener at Burnley, who will look to spring a surprise and set the tone for the new campaign following their promotion earlier this summer.
Manchester City Team News
Kevin de Bruyne could be ready to start for Man City after making his first appearance since the Champions League final in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, having been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Nathan Ake missed the last weekend’s game with a knock but is back in training ahead of the trip to Burnley, while new signing Josko Gvardiol will hope to make his debut.
Predicted Man City Lineup vs Burnley (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Stefan Ortega started in goal for City against Arsenal in the Community Shield, but the game at Burnley should see Ederson restored between the sticks. Great with the ball at his feet and a reliable shot-stopper, Ederson is an asset to City’s build-up play. The Brazilian will hope to start the new campaign with a clean sheet after finishing last season strongly.
Defence
Pep Guardiola has used a flat back four throughout the pre-season and could persist with the same against Burnley. Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Ruben Dias is expected to partner John Stones at the heart of the backline in the Man City lineup, with Kyle Walker operating from the right-back position.
Josko Gvardiol, primarily a central defender, could start his new journey with City at left-back at Turf Moor. The second-most expensive defender in the Premier League’s history, Gvardiol will hope to start well for the English champions.
Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis will provide cover for defensive positions from the bench.
Midfield
Mateo Kovacic, summer signing from Chelsea, performed really well against Arsenal in the Community Shield, thereby, virtually nailing his position in the Man City lineup for the season opener. Kovacic should partner Rodri in central midfield, with Kevin de Bruyne likely to start in his usual No.10 role.
With Kovacic and Rodri behind him, De Bruyne will have the license to roam in and around the final third and create opportunities for the forwards. The Belgian will be City’s chief playmaker as he hopes to unlock the Burnley backline with his flair, vision and set-piece deliveries.
Attack
Erling Haaland is a shoo-in to lead City’s attack, and he will be desperate to kick off the new campaign with a bang after producing a disappointing display against Arsenal in the Community Shield. Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva are expected to join Haaland in attack in the Man City lineup, with the two widemen looking to create chances for the Norwegian goal machine in the box.
Julian Alvarez, Cole Palmer and Kalvin Phillips might have to settle for a spot on the bench as they await their chance to shine in the second half if Guardiola opts to call upon their services.