Manchester City are struggling to deal with the pressure of regaining the Premier League title. Pep Guardiola’s side is 11 points behind league leaders Liverpool after dropping points once more at the weekend.
The Cityzens drew 2-2 away to Newcastle United and had the opportunity to put pressure on Liverpool, who played later in the day. Yet, a draw was the best they could do at St. James’ Park letting a late 2-1 lead slip through their hands. Twice Manchester City let Newcastle United comeback into the game.
Now, Manchester City face a plucky Burnley at Turf Moor. Despite losing to Crystal Palace at home over the weekend, Burnley will make it difficult for Manchester City to leave with all three points.
Burnley have taken 12 of 21 points possible at home this term. They have scored 11 times while conceding nine goals to opponents at Turf Moor.
Manchester City have dropped seven points away from home and can only hope Liverpool’s difficult December results in them clawing back the league leaders. The Cityzens have scored 18 times on their travels, yet recent road fixtures have seen a shaky team fail to light up the goal nets.
It isn’t just the Premier League in which Manchester City have suddenly struggled. The team is winless in four of their last five matches as wins have been allusive in the Champions League as well.
Sergio Aguero is out of action for the midweek trip north to Turf Moor. Aguero is ruled out with a thigh injury and it will keep him out for a few more games. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Aymeric Laporte and Leroy Sane are all still out as well.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche is not likely to have Johann Berg Gudmundsson or Matej Vydra back from injuries. Both have been regaining fitness but unable to play as yet.
Guardiola has stuck with playing central defensive midfielder Fernandinho in the heart of defence. Despite the club conceding goals in recent weeks, the manager has stuck with the same tactics.
Rather than pairing John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi, Guardiola has continued on at the expense of allowing teams to score. It could be a ploy to get the club’s board to buy a new centre-back in January.
Gabriel Jesus should once again start but Guardiola may rotate the rest of his team. Riyad Mahrez was mostly ineffective against Newcastle United. It could give Bernardo Silva the chance to play on the right wing.
Manchester City may be struggling on the road but those issues should come to an end against Burnley. The Clarets have not won any of their last eight matches in all competitions against Manchester City. Expect the Cityzens to win with over 2.5 goals scored.