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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

Man City fans send selection message to Pep Guardiola with preferred line-up vs Burnley

Fans are urging Pep Guardiola to go with his 'strongest' available starting XI against Burnley this afternoon (3pm). Resuming their Premier League title charge, City make the short trip to Turf Moor before impending showdowns with Spanish champions Atletico Madrid and fellow title-chasers Liverpool.

That marks nothing short of a testing and hugely important few weeks for Guardiola and his star-studded team. He will not look past Burnley, though, especially with only one point separating City from Liverpool at the summit.

Ruben Dias (hamstring) remains on the sidelines with an issue that is set to keep him out for a further two weeks. Academy graduate Cole Palmer (foot) is the other notable absentee.

READ MORE: Every word from Pep Guardiola press conference with Man City team news

Goalkeeper - Ederson

The Brazilian's inclusion in the starting XI on Saturday is the easiest decision Guardiola will have to make.

Defenders - Kyle Walker, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Joao Cancelo

City have been rocked by the update on Dias - meaning he is unlikely to be available for upcoming matches against Atletico and Liverpool. However, there is Burnley to get through first as supporters call for fit-again John Stones and Aymeric Laporte to start at centre-back. No prizes for guessing the two men who flank them.

Midfielders - Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne

Ilkay Gundogan hasn't seen as much game time as many expected this season. Guardiola's three standouts in the engine room have been Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and that reliable shield Rodri. With other crucial games to come, there is some scope to change things around if needs be. Not according to the fans, though.

Forwards - Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish

A tough call to leave Raheem Sterling out here. Even without a natural number nine, City have gone goal crazy this season and, starting with Burnley this afternoon, Guardiola will need Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and £100m man Jack Grealish to fire over the next few weeks. Sterling also falls into that bracket as Gabriel Jesus misses out on a rare start against the Clarets.

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