Burnley v Manchester City Match Preview
By David Crook
And so Manchester City face Burnley away in the Premier League, a fixture quickly becoming a shorthand to describe the difficulties of the English League to any newcomer.
The only real bonus at this time of the season is that fixtures tumble from the calendar at an alarming rate, meaning there is little time to dwell on poor performances.
After the exertions of the weekend, where to all intents and purposes, a draw against Newcastle felt like a defeat, City must dust themselves down and go again.
The only other saving grace is that City will know exactly what they are in for. A battering of physicality, of throw ins and set pieces. Of crosses into the box and shots from distance.
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Last season a better City side played very well at Turf Moor and came away with the points. Controlling all the second balls, City ensured there were few corners and set pieces to defend.
Unfortunately, City are not as solid this season and therefore this game will prove a drudge through the mud on a cold Tuesday evening. Pep Guardiola will know and understand what he can do to combat the Burnley approach, but he will have one eye on the demands posed by the derby game at the weekend against Manchester United.
Can the fading David Silva sustain another start or should he be rested for the derby? Can Fernandinho really play all of these matches and recover, or should he be rested?
Ilkay Gundogan is suspended for the game having amassed 5 yellow cards so far this season and will that mean little Phil Foden wiill be risked against Sean Dyche’s army of Orks?
Guardiola will have his work cut out just selecting the team!
I suspect we will see physical strength deployed where possible, so Walker and Mendy with Fernandinho and Otamendi at centre half.
Midfield will see Rodrigo back in the fold, alongside De Bruyne and Phil Foden. If Guardiola selects Bernardo over Foden in the middle then Foden should be putting in a transfer request.
Up front the only real choice is between Mahrez and Bernardo. Neither covered themselves in glory at the weekend, but Mahrez may be more likely to start given he is in a better run of form.
Like every game, this is a must win. Let us hope the players are able to give us the perfect response.
Guardiola's City v 2.0. dark. Next
Predicted Starting XI
Ederson
Walker, Otamendi, Fernandinho, Mendy
Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Foden
Steing, Jesus, Mahrez