Changes likely with a short…

…time before our next Premier League game and after Wednesday night’s match. However, I would suggest that a strong team is needed if we want to have a chance of progressing in the F.A. Cup.

v Burnley

Time already ticking away so straight to it…

Etihad Stadium

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from starting line-up in the last game which, for me Blog-wise, was the Huddersfield game: 7/11).

Fluid 4-5-1 / 4-3-3:

___________________Aguero____________________

Sane___________________________________Sterling

____________D. Silva________B. Silva_____________

_________________Fernandinho__________________

Delph___________________________________Walker

____________Laporte_________Stones_____________

____________________Ederson___________________

Subs: Muric, Mendy, Otamendi, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Jesus.

Ederson back in net.

I think we’ll see Fabian at left-wing back; Kyle likely to be back and given a chance to see if he can recover some form on the opposite defensive flank. Aymeric & John in between those.

Fernandinho ‘takes up his place’ ahead of those; the 2 Silvas in attacking midfield ahead of him with Leroy & Raheem providing the width.

Sergio to head all of those, I would say, and despite playing 63 minutes in midweek.

Aro the back-up stopper; 'the returning Benjamin' & Nicholas provide defensive replacement options. Ilkay, Kevin & Riyad are available for midfield & wing changes with Gabriel ready to help in attack.

Notable absences:

-       Claudio Bravo – Continues his rehab following serious injury.

-       Vincent Kompany – STILL not quite right, apparently, with whatever the latest issue is…

 - Danilo - Not selected...and who might feel a little hard-done-to, if I'm right...

-       Oleksandr Zinchenko – Not selected.

-       Phil Foden – Not selected.

Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?

Looks good to me! And if we can get a firm hold on this game fairly early on, it would be nice to be able to rest / protect the likes of Fernandinho, David & Sergio at some early point in the 2nd half...

Result? Well, well, well! After struggling in the league for so long, Sean Dyche has finally given The Clarets some traction! Undefeated in 4 Premier League games with 3 wins followed by a draw.

When in that form, these can be a tough outfit to break down and they provide a fight for sure. I do have concerns that “we” (Pep & Co.) might have one eye on Tuesday night’s league game and, if that’s the case, this one could…could go to a replay or worse.

Quality-wise, though, and if we match them for spirit; it’s a home win and progression for me.

Last season’s, corresponding pre-match prediction and result…

Prediction: N/A

Result: N/A

Expected weather conditions during the game: Dark, damp and generally miserable with a bit of a breeze too. 9C isn’t too cold though for January at least…