Pep Guardiola has named a strong starting XI for today’s FA Cup clash with Burnley.

The Blues make four changes from the side that beat Watford 3-1 earlier in the week.

Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Ederson all drop to the bench while Fabian Delph is not fully fit.

Danilo, Claudio Bravo, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ilkay Gundogan all come in.

Starting XI:

Bravo, Danilo, Otamendi, Stones, Zinchenko, Fernandinho, Gundogan, D Silva (c), Sane, Sterling, Aguero

Subs: Ederson, Walker, Mangala, De Bruyne, Yaya Toure, Bernardo, Diaz

Burnley starting XI

 

Cup king Bravo?

Claudio Bravo could become the Blues’ domestic cup hero this season.

The Chilean has been No.2 to Ederson all season but continued to train and play with great dignity for a player of such experience.

And he has enjoyed the Carabao Cup in particular as he twice performed heroics in penalty shoot-outs against Wolves and Leicester.

Those displays have earned Bravo a cult following on the terraces and he fully deserves his call-up this afternoon.

 

 

Blues gunning for silverware

Anyone who thought the Blues would be taking the domestic cup competitions lightly this season need only look at today’s starting XI.

Much has been written about City targeting the Premier League and Champions League this season, but with a Carabao Cup semi-final against Bristol City to come next Tuesday, the Blues have again demonstrated a desire to win as many trophies as possible this campaign.

Burnley could have been forgiven for thinking the Blues may chop and change for today’s third round tie, but that hasn’t happened.

Clarets on the road

Burnley’s form away from Turf Moor has arguably been one the most surprising turnarounds this season.

Sean Dyche’s side couldn’t buy a result on the road for most of last season yet this campaign they have lost just twice – including a 3-0 reverse at the Etihad – and picked up some excellent results against Chelsea, Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester United.

 

 

They will have learned lessons from their Premier League loss to City and held the Blues to 1-0 up until the 73rd minute.

Expect a resolute performance from the Clarets who might fancy a shock this afternoon, or a replay at Turf Moor.