PREM: Burnley v Manchester City preview
Burnley v Manchester City preview
Burnley striker Ashley Barnes is pushing for a first league start since April when Manchester City visit Turf Moor.
Barnes has battled back to fitness after a lengthy lay-off and has impressed in three substitute appearances, putting Sam Vokes at risk up front.
George Boyd's tireless running could also put him in contention for a recall against City but there are no injuries to contend with.
Manchester City will assess striker Sergio Aguero ahead of the game.
Manager Pep Guardiola says the Argentina forward ended the midweek Champions League clash at Borussia Monchengladbach "not injured, but with a little problem in his foot".
Defender Pablo Zabaleta will also be checked after missing the game in Germany with a knock but captain Vincent Kompany (knee) could be out for up to six weeks. Midfielder Fabian Delph is nearing a return after a groin operation.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche says "We haven't found our feet at all away from home and some of that is down to the opposition but we know we're better than that.
"It's not a free hit because we want to take on every game and get points on the table. There's a huge gulf between us and Manchester City on and off the pitch but it is the marvel of football.
"Random results turn up and we've had plenty of them since I've been here - we've had some this season. Internally we have an expectation of delivering a performance."
Man City boss Pep Guardiola says "I have watched Burnley. I am really impressed. I think it will be the toughest (game) for our regeneration, at 12.30.
"It is a derby, it is many things. We cannot forget they beat Liverpool, they lost in the 93rd minute against Arsenal and they draw at Old Trafford. "What they do, they do really well. I am really impressed about their quality, their spirit.
"Of course they lost the last game 4-0 to West Brom, but I can imagine what happens when a team loses 4-0. Their attention and focus is higher than before.
"I prefer teams when they win a lot of games. They didn't win. So, in this moment, they are ready and prepared. In terms of intensity, I think they will be better. Their legs are faster and cleaner than ours.
"This game is key for us, so important in terms of the points and in terms of getting better at our kind of game." "Yaya Toure can play in many positions but I think we have other options to play as central defenders.
"Yaya is going to play in more offensive terms and can decide the last terms, to score goals, in our build-up in the last third of the pitch."
Teams
Burnley (from): Heaton, Robinson, Lowton, Keane, Mee, Ward, Tarkowski, A O'Neill, K Long, Flanagan, Marney, Defour, Kightly, Hendrick, Boyd, Gudmundsson, Arfield, Vokes, Barnes, Gray.
Manchester City (from): Bravo, Caballero, Zabaleta, Sagna, Maffeo, Clichy, Kolarov, Stones, Otamendi, Gundogan, Toure, Fernando, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Navas, Silva, Sterling, Sane, Nolito, Aguero, Iheanacho.