Manchester City return to Premier League action tomorrow night against Vincent Kompany’s Burnley at the Etihad Stadium. The game will kick off a crucial run of fixtures for Pep Guardiola’s side as they seek to put pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool.
How is the Manchester City squad shaping up ahead of the match? Here is a look at the City squad’s injury status and a predicted starting lineup for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Injury news
On the injury front, Manchester City appear to be approaching full fitness. John Stones returned to the squad for their FA Cup fourth-round tie win over Tottenham.
Erling Haaland appears set to return against Burnley. The striker has missed City’s last 10 games due to a foot injury. But with his return to training over the past two weeks the striker appears ready to finally return to the pitch.
Manuel Akanji appears the only player who looks set to miss against Burnley. He is currently recovering from a knee injury he suffered against Huddersfield Town. The Swiss international hasn’t returned to training and an update on his condition is expected when Pep Guardiola fronts the media for his pre-game press conference.
Predicted starting lineup
Ederson- It would appear that City’s number-one keeper should return to the starting lineup. He missed the win over Tottenham as Stefan Ortega played against Spurs. Ederson appears to be an obvious selection.
Kyle Walker- Despite being in the headlines for off-the-pitch matters the City captain should take his place at right back.
Ruben Dias- Dias was outstanding against Tottenham. His selection appears obvious after his return to form against Spurs.
Nathan Ake- Ake is almost one of the first players picked for Manchester City. Unless Guardiola decides to play Stones there doesn’t appear a reason for a change at the back.
Josko Gvardiol- The Croatian international is beginning to grow into his role at left-back. Gvardiol appears set for another start against Burnley.
Rodri- An obvious selection. Given his importance to the champions, he should start against Vincent Kompany’s side.
Bernardo Silva- He played a more central role against Tottenham and could do the same tomorrow evening. With Kevin De Bruyne edging closer to his first start since returning from injury Bernardo may move centrally to accommodate De Bruyne.
Kevin De Bruyne- Pep Guardiola has repeatedly told the media that De Bruyne is ready to start games after his injury layoff. A home game seems the ideal situation to unleash the Manchester City legend from the start.
Jack Grealish- After not appearing in City’s past two games Grealish may start tomorrow. The game against could be the ideal chance for Grealish to remind everyone of his quality.
Phil Foden- May line up on the right wing or rotate with Bernardo Silva across the middle. Must start given how well he’s played over the past month.
Erling Haaland- City’s number 9 looks set to finally return to the pitch against Burnley. A starting position could be the perfect way to unleash the striker.
