Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has no fresh injury concerns to deal with as the Citizens host Burnley in their first match of 2017.
City will look to quickly move on from their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, and get back to winning ways when they host Sean Dyche’s Burnley at the Etihad Stadium on Monday.
They will be looking to avoid losing further ground on their title rivals, having gone 10 points behind Chelsea.
Pep Guardiola does not have any fresh injury concerns on his hands ahead of Burnley’s visit, with Leroy Sane continuing to remain doubtful as he regains match fitness. Club captain Vincent Kompany (knee) and Fabian Delph (groin) are closer to a return in January, although this game comes too soon for the duo.
Despite not being troubled by any new injury news, Guardiola is set to ring in a few changes to his Manchester City side. Having played against Liverpool less than 48 hours ago, fatigue is likely to be a major concern for the Catalan manager, and he is set to make a few rotations to his team.
Having said that, with Kompany still injured, Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones are set to retain their places in the heart of the Manchester City defence. Alongside them though, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy are likely to start with Pablo Zabaleta and Aleksandar Kolarov being rested for this game.
Ahead of the back four, youngster Aleix Garcia could be handed a start alongside Fernandinho as Yaya Toure looked heavily fatigued in the match against Liverpool. Up front, Nolito is set to be reinstated into the starting lineup, having been left out of the matchday squad on Saturday’s visit to Anfield.
The Spain international alongside compatriot Jesus Navas are likely to make the eleven at the expense of Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne.
For visitors Burnley, record signing Jeff Hendrick is all set to make a return to the starting eleven, after missing out in the 4-1 win over Sunderland due to suspension. Meanwhile, Dean Marney (suspension) will be the only new absentee from Burnley’s squad after the midfielder picked up his fifth booking of the season.
