At the home of recently promoted Burnley, Manchester City will start their title defense on Friday night.
Few would wager against Pep Guardiola’s triple winners extending their complete dominance by having an exciting 2023–24 season. They have little to prove in terms of their dominance of the modern game. After losing Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez, Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol have joined their team, and Guardiola is confident that there will be more additions before the transfer window closes.
Guardiola will be expecting a comeback from his City team in their season opener at Burnley after losing the Community Shield to Arsenal on penalties last weekend. Burnley will seek to shock and set the tone for the new season after receiving their promotion earlier this summer.
Manchester City Team News
After making his first appearance since the Champions League final in the Community Shield loss to Arsenal, Kevin de Bruyne, who had been sidelined with a hamstring injury, might be ready to play for Man City. In preparation for the trip to Burnley, Nathan Ake, who missed the game last weekend due to an injury, is back in training, while new recruit Josko Gvardiol will be hoping to make his debut.
Lineup for Man City vs. Burnley predicted (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
In the Community Shield match against Arsenal, Stefan Ortega began in goal for City, although Ederson should return for the match against Burnley. Ederson is a valuable addition to City’s build-up play since he is excellent with the ball at his feet and a dependable shot-stopper. After a good conclusion to the previous season, the Brazilian will aim to start the new one with a clean sheet.
Defence
In the preseason, Pep Guardiola has played with a flat back four and may do so again against Burnley. Man City will start with a 4-2-3-1 system, with Kyle Walker playing right back and Ruben Dias anticipated to partner John Stones in the middle of the defense.
Josko Gvardiol, who usually plays in the center of the defense, might begin his new career with City at left-back at Turf Moor. Gvardiol, the second-most expensive defender in Premier League history, will be looking to get the English champions off to a good start.
From the bench, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, and Rico Lewis will fill defensive roles.
Midfield
Mateo Kovacic, a summer acquisition from Chelsea, did a great job against Arsenal in the Community Shield, effectively securing his spot in Man City’s starting eleven for the regular-season opener. In the center of the field, Kovacic should partner Rodri, with Kevin de Bruyne expected to start in the No. 10 position.
De Bruyne will have the freedom to roam in and around the final third and create opportunities for the forwards with Kovacic and Rodri behind him. The Belgian will serve as City’s primary playmaker in an effort to use his flair, vision, and set-piece deliveries to penetrate Burnley’s defense.
Attack
Erling Haaland will undoubtedly be in charge of City’s offense and will be eager to start the new season off strong following a lackluster performance against Arsenal in the Community Shield. In the attack for Man City, Haaland is anticipated to be joined by Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva. The two wide players will try to open up scoring opportunities for the Norwegian striker in the box.
If Guardiola chooses to use them, Julian Alvarez, Cole Palmer, and Kalvin Phillips might have to make do with a seat on the bench while they wait for their moment to shine in the second half.