Manchester City host Burnley tonight in a very tricky Premier League encounter, coming just two days after a massive clash away to Liverpool.
Every team knows that dealing with a heavy schedule at Christmas and New Year is the reality of life in the Premier League, but that doesn’t make it any easier when it comes around.
Playing twice in two days is sure to take its toll on the team and perhaps the performance too.
That said, Guardiola will have been preparing for these matches and will treat the Burnley clash with the same importance as the Liverpool encounter.
City have a squad capable of dealing with the rough schedule and somewhat fortunately, key players will likely be given the opportunity to rest when the FA Cup’s third round takes place the following weekend.
This is the Manchester City XI that we think can get the job done vs. Burnley to kick-off 2017 in winning fashion.
GK: Claudio Bravo
Since his infamous and calamitous performance against Leicester City, Claudio Bravo has enjoyed a more peaceful time between the sticks for the Citizens.
He’s kept two clean sheets against Watford and Hull and City fans will be hoping he’s put the worst behind him this season.
RB: Bacary Sagna
Bacary Sagna isn’t ever-present in the City team but has been rotated with Pablo Zabaleta when needed. He was in fine form away to Hull on Boxing Day, helping his side to a much needed 3-0 victory.
He made a clearance off the line and looked his usual tireless self down the right-hand side.
That energy will be important given the run of fixtures and he’ll be a key man in driving his team forward throughout the 90 minutes.
CB: Nicolas Otamendi
Nicolas Otamendi has undoubtedly been City’s top performer defensively this season, at times looking imperious in that backline.
Even when Guardiola’s side aren’t playing well, it usually takes a mighty effort to get past the Argentinian.
He was instrumental in the victory over Hull on Boxing Day, making nine clearances, winning four aerial duels and two blocks, including one in the box.
He’s a one-man wall at times and despite the heavy schedule must start vs. Burnley.
CB: Aleksandar Kolarov
Aleksandar Kolarov isn’t a natural centre-back but in John Stones’ recent return from injury means he may struggle to play two games in 48 hours.
The Serbian international has actually featured more times in the middle of the defence than the left-hand side where he’s primarily deployed. Guardiola obviously has faith in his ability, not just to defend but also help play the ball out from the back.
Despite some shaky moments this season, most notably against Chelsea at the Etihad, he’s been in decent form in recent weeks.
LB: Gael Clichy
Clichy is strong back-up for Kolarov at left-back and will likely get another start at home to Burnley. His combative defensive nature is a huge positive in City’s robust backline and should cope with the threat from the likes of George Boyd on Monday.
Like Sagna on the opposite side he can be an effective motor down the flanks too, holding onto the ball and bringing others into the game.
CM: Fernandinho
Fernandinho missed games in December through suspension in the wake of the kerfuffle at the end of Chelsea’s visit to the Etihad.
He returned on Boxing Day and looked like he hadn’t missed a step, operating as an effective anchor in the middle of the park to break up play and move it on to more creative players around him.
Burnley will likely play with a tight, defensive-minded midfield so the Brazilian’s ability to win the ball and dominate the middle of the park will be absolutely vital if City are to secure a result.
CM: Fernando
Two games in two days will be too much for Yaya Toure’s ageing legs, and with Fernando having sat out the loss at Liverpool, he could come back in to add some energy.
The ex-Porto man filled in admirably during Fernandinho’s suspension and has more ability than he’s sometimes given credit for.
AMR: Jesus Navas
With Leroy Sane a doubt through injury, Navas may be given a go. The Spaniard came on as a sub vs. Liverpool and his pace could be vital against a Burnley side that put everything into their 4-1 battering of Sunderland.
The ex-Sevilla star lacks end product, but he will make the pitch bigger against a Clarets team that play relatively narrow.
AM: David Silva
David Silva is a man to rely on and will be another guiding hand on a tricky occasion for City.
The attacking midfielder is in superb form, recently picking up an assist against both Arsenal and Hull while also finding the net himself at home to Watford.
He’s a talismanic presence for the Citizens and will likely play a big role if City go on to win the match.
AML: Nolito
Nolito has been utilised more as an impact sub than a regular starter this season but the Burnley match represents an opportunity for him to impress from the the start and stake a claim for that left wing position.
He was a key part of City’s excellent form early in the season, contributing six goals and four assists.
Burnley are likely to sit deep, so exposing them on the flanks could be the key to getting in behind. Can Nolito step up and produce a performance?
ST: Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero should be feeling fresh having missed the vast majority of December because of his horror tackle on David Luiz in the Chelsea game at the start of last month.
His goalscoring ability and general creative presence is undeniable and he simply must start if fit.
He can win games on his own at times and even if City are playing poorly against Burnley, he has the ability to produce a piece of magic that can grab the three points.
