The Manchester City Lineup That Should Start Against Burnley

It's been a somewhat underwhelming league campaign for Manchester City, as their hopes of a third successive Premier League title have been dashed by a rampant Liverpool side.

However, the Citizens' return to action on Wednesday evening saw them dismantle an inexperienced Arsenal side, as Pep Guardiola's men capitalised on the gifts handed to them by David Luiz.

The champions will no doubt face a much more solid defence on Monday evening, as Sean Dyche's Burnley travel to the Etihad for their return to competitive football.

With that game fast approaching, here's a look at how the home side could look.

Goalkeepers and Defenders

Ederson (GK) - When he wasn't clattering his own teammates, the Brazilian stopper delivered a passing masterclass against the Gunners that left fans and pundits alike purring. He may have had three months to think about his shoddy performance in the Manchester derby, but he certainly did not let it show, and was as commanding and impressive as ever.

Kyle Walker (RB) - The Englishman has endured one of his tougher seasons in the Premier League, while he's also fallen out of favour at international level. That being said, he offers a much better option than Joao Cancelo - who remains a strange purchase - with his searing pace effective against all opposition.

Fernandinho (CB) - With John Stones and Eric Garcia both set to miss the fixture due to injury, the versatile Brazilian will likely line up alongside Aymeric Laporte in central defence. Guardiola may be crying out for a new central defender, but Fernandinho has seldom let his manager down this season and remains vital to the club despite his age.

Aymeric Laporte (CB) - The Frenchman has been sorely missed this season, with injury often sidelining him at great cost to his side's performances. Although Arsenal rarely troubled the backline, forward Eddie Nketiah did keep Laporte on his toes, emphasising the need for a settled partner alongside the former Athletic Club man.

Benjamin Mendy (LB) - The left back spot has been a constant source of misery for City, yet when their rampaging Frenchman is fit he is a real threat down the left flank. The defence is an area that needs improving, and Mendy needs a solid end to the season to stake his claim for a starting berth next term.

Midfielders

Rodri (CDM) - While Ilkay Gundogan lined up in holding midfield last time out, it would be no surprise to see the Spaniard take his place on Monday. The former Atlético Madrid star has somewhat struggled this term, although his thunderbolt in the reverse fixture against Burnley proved the quality he has.

Kevin De Bruyne (CM) - The Belgian playmaker was in his usual top form on Wednesday and slotted home the penalty following David Luiz's reckless foul. He will no doubt be in line to start again, unless Guardiola seeks to make his usual raft of changes.

Bernardo Silva (CM) - The Portuguese midfielder came off the bench against the Gunners but should start against the Clarets, particularly with David Silva having a quiet game last time out. It's not been the former Monaco man's best season by any means, but remains a truly gifted footballer.

Forwards

Raheem Sterling (LW) - The fact that the 25-year-old's goal in midweek was his first in 2020 is telling of the contrasting form he's been in this season. Last season's FWA Footballer of the Year has struggled in spells, though could still match or better his best haul of 18 league goals before the season ends.

Sergio Agüero (ST) - The Argentine forward was left on the bench against Mikel Arteta's side, but quickly made his mark after coming on, hitting the post before Phil Foden slotted home. With Gabriel Jesus again failing to impress, expect Aguero to start on Monday.

Riyad Mahrez (RW) - The Algerian was in electric from against Arsenal and proved his often questioned value to the City squad. It may have taken him time, but he's now settled into Guardiola's starting XI and looks to be back to his old, devastating self.

Check out the preview ahead of Monday evening's fixture here.