The new season is nearly here, Manchester City’s Premier League defense and shot at four consecutive league titles begins on Friday night. Up first is a trip to Turf Moor to take on Vincent Kompany’s Burnley. Here is how both sides are shaping up ahead of the league opener.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola’s side come into this game on the back of a penalty shootout loss to Arsenal in last Sunday’s FA Community Shield. While City lost the game on penalties, there were a lot of positives to take from the game. The treble winners dominated possession for large periods and were unlucky not to have put the game away before Trossard’s deflected late equaliser.
Manchester City should have a full squad to choose from for the Premier League opener. Nathan Ake is the only player who is a doubt to play. Ake went off injured in Manchester City’s second pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich but is nearing a return to full fitness.
Josko Gvardiol is in line to make his debut for the club. He has now completed a week of training with his new teammates and will be in line to feature against the Clarets. His debut will be eagerly anticipated since his big money move from RB Leipzig.
Another player to watch for is Erling Haaland. City’s Norwegian marksman was quiet in the Community Shield loss against Arsenal. He started last season in a similar fashion before hitting the ground running in City’s opener against West Ham with a brace.
The marathon is just getting started… Thank you for the support yesterday 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/cbwef8ewBq
— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) August 7, 2023
Burnley
City’s opponents come into the season on the back of their record-breaking promotion from the Championship last season. Vincent Kompany’s side stormed their way through the season securing their place in the Premier League by winning the Championship title in record-breaking fashion. They played some beautiful football under Kompany and will be up for the fight on Friday night.
The Clarets have been busy in the transfer market strengthening their squad for the season ahead. They’ve added 9 new players to bolster their squad for the task of staying in the Premier League. The new signings are headlined by attacker Zeki Amdouni, defender Jordan Beyer and Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford.
Young keeper James Trafford is one to watch for in this one for the Clarets. The former City keeper had an outstanding under-21 European Championship for England as they lifted the trophy. Trafford made the move to Burnley this summer following the tournament. He will be determined to make a mark against his former employers if he gets the nod to start.
Summary
Both sides will head into the season opener with near full squads to choose from at this stage. As the build up to the Premier League opener continues, attention will turn to Pep Guardiola’s press conference for any updates on the City squad ahead of the Burnley clash.
