Manchester City could be in for a tough challenge in their outstanding Premier League clash against Burnley on Wednesday.
The Cityzens travel north to face the Clarets in a game that could see them move level on points with Arsenal at the top, or even overtake the Gunners with a superior goal difference.
The Premier League title hopefuls will go all out for not just a win, but a convincing victory to displace Arsenal at the top and secure a crucial advantage as the title race enters crucial stages.
However, they will be without two of their key players – Rodri and Ruben Dias – for the the cracker.
Head coach Pep Guardiola confirmed in pre-match press conference that the two players will miss the match due to injuries.
“I think for tomorrow, he (Rodri) will not be ready. We’ll see for next games the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton or 12 days later for the Premier League game at Everton,” Pep revealed.
When pressed on Ruben Dias’ availability for the match as well, he also gave a similar response, ”he is not read yet.”
Rodri came off late in City’s crucial 2–1 Premier League win over Arsenal on Sunday with an apparent injury blow. Addressing his decision to sub off the Spaniard, Guardiola confirmed in the post-match press conference that the player has picked up a groin issue.
Ruben Dias has been absent from the Blues’ squad since his last appearance in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola is expected to tweak his midfield setup to diminish the potential impact of Rodri’s absence.
As for Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov’s center-back combination have proven a real defense magic for the team, with the duo expected to return at center-back.
Meanwhile, attention turns to the outcome of the team’s trip to Turf Moor. Burnley, who found themselves deep in the relegation battle, will look to stage a formidable challenge to bolster their chances of beating the drop.
With five matches left, a win could see the Clarets reduce the gap to the safety zone to 10 points, while a two-goal margin of victory for Man City will see Arsenal lose their stranglehold on the Premier League top for the first time in months.
Guardiola isn’t leaving anything to chance with his regular winning XI – excluding Rodri and Diaz – expected to be lined up on Wednesday. They haven’t lost any competitive fixture against Burnley since 2015.
