PREM: Man City v Burnley preview
Man City v Burnley preview
Manchester City will be looking to close the "huge" gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea when they host Burnley on Monday.
City were on the end of a loss on New Year's Eve to Liverpool, and now lag 10 points behind Chelsea in top spot with manager Pep Guardiola admitting it could be tough to catch the Blues in the second half of the season.
"The gap is huge because they deserve to be there. When they don't lose it is like this," he said. "But we are in the Champions League and league [contention]. After that defeat on the last day of the year the conclusion is, always, 'could be better' but the way they are training, I am glad to work with these guys."
Jeff Hendrick is set to return to the Burnley team after suspension having missed out on Saturday's 4-1 win over Sunderland.
The Clarets' record signing was sidelined after picking up a fifth yellow card for the season and is in line for an instant return to the starting line-up.
Although Sean Dyche's side have struggled on the road this season, the manager insists his side will not be daunted by the prospect of performing at the Etihad Stadium.
"There's a massive gulf between us and them, but it is the marvel of football," Dyche said. "We're here to take on these challenges and mostly we do take them on. If that gets us something, fantastic, if it doesn't, I don't think anyone will bat an eyelid. It's one for us to go there with freedom to take it on, and a big challenge."
Although Hendrick is back in contention, Dean Marney will be serving a one-match ban on Monday after picking up his fifth caution of the campaign against Sunderland.
Jon Flanagan will be missing too due to a knee injury that Clarets boss Dyche said he will have a scan for this week.
Man City have no fresh injury concerns, with Leroy Sane still doubtful after missing the last two games with an unspecified muscle injury.
Captain Vincent Kompany (knee) is not yet ready to return, while Fabian Delph (groin) has been out since August and Ilkay Gundogan (knee) is a long-term absentee.