A crucial month in Manchester City’s treble defence begins this week at home to Burnley. February looms as a vital period in Pep Guardiola’s sides’ treble defence. The champions will have a hectic schedule next month and it has the potential to be season-defining in the club’s bid to create history.
Up first they will host Vincent Kompany’s Burnley. While on paper the game appears a formality that is rarely the case. Kompany’s side are fighting for their Premier League survival and know that a positive result at the Etihad could spur them on in their relegation battle. Pep Guardiola’s side knows they will have to be at their best to secure all three points.
A positive result for the European champions could provide them with the impetus to kick on in February. They will head into the game on the back of a 7-game winning run in all competitions. An eighth consecutive win could lay the foundation for what comes in February. City will also head into the game fresh off a 1-nil win over Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That win at a ground where City have previously struggled could be looked back upon as a crucial victory if Pep Guardiola’s side kick on in February.
Since their FIFA Club World Cup triumph, Pep Guardiola’s side has begun to hit their straps. Their recent resurgence has set the scene for what could be a fascinating second half of the season. With the team in form and key players set to return from injury the treble winners will head into February in form and with the cavalry returning.
But first, the European champions must beat Burnley at the Etihad on Wednesday evening. A win at home could lay the foundation for a crucial month ahead for Manchester City.