In this inaugural encounter, Pep Guardiola's formidable squad enters the fray after a season of remarkable triumphs, securing an unforgettable treble. Now, their ambition to etch even more history encounters an early challenge from a noteworthy figure - Burnley's manager and former City stalwart, Vincent Kompany.
A rare achievement has already been etched into the annals, with both Manchester clubs joining an exclusive English duo to have conquered the treasured Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League honors. City, in particular, laid claim to their maiden Champions League trophy, marking a watershed moment in their legacy.
The path ahead unfurls as a steep ascent, aspiring to sustain such unprecedented accomplishments. While domestic triumphs have often followed one another, scaling the European summit can herald unpredictable fluctuations. Nevertheless, early indications signal City's unwavering commitment to excellence. The upcoming season designates them once again as the favored contenders for the Premier League laurels - a victory that would amplify their unprecedented feat by clinching four successive English top-tier titles. Such an achievement would further solidify their status as the preeminent force in the nation's footballing history.
However, the journey toward these grand aspirations is riddled with challenges yet to unfold. The preseason exhibited a few unexpected detours, marked by defeats to Atletico Madrid and Arsenal in the Community Shield, even though Guardiola can point to similar occurrences in the preceding seasons that ultimately culminated in title victories.
Yet, amidst a backdrop of increased expenditures by rival clubs to reinforce their squads, an atmosphere of cautious optimism prevails, suggesting that City's dominance could face multifaceted tests this season. Notably, City has reinforced their roster with the acquisitions of Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, but the departures of key figures like captain Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez raise pertinent questions. The future of players like Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva remains uncertain, stirring debates about the team's overall strength in this transfer window.
The inaugural challenge that looms is a formidable one, as City inaugurates the campaign alongside Burnley, led by their iconic former captain, Kompany. This Burnley side differs greatly from the squad relegated in the 2021-22 season, as evidenced by Kompany's rapid transformation of their footballing philosophy. Their ascent to the Championship throne showcased dominance, amassing an impressive 101 points and succumbing to only three defeats, with a mere single loss on home turf. A record-breaking tally of 87 goals scored, coupled with a league-low of 35 conceded, attests to their dominance, resulting in a comfortable 10-point gap from their nearest competitors.
However, Kompany humbly contextualized this triumph, asserting that their championship status in the Championship merely placed them as the 21st-best team in England. Now, the stage is set for Burnley to assert their stature among the English elite, a sentiment echoed by preseason predictions favoring their survival.
Transitioning to the heightened echelons of competition, Burnley has proactively navigated the transfer market, securing the services of Zeki Amdouni, James Trafford, Jordan Beyer, Dara O'Shea, Michael Obafemi, Luca Koleosho, Nathan Redmond, Lawrence Vigouroux, Jacob Bruun Larsen, and Sander Berge at an estimated combined cost of £75 million. Preseason exhibitions have showcased promising cohesion among these new additions, with a solitary blemish in the form of a 2-0 loss to Genk.
Kompany recognizes the trial that beckons, initiating Burnley's return to the Premier League amidst daunting odds. However, the fervent Turf Moor faithful, beneath the glow of floodlights, are poised to provide fervent support, fueling hopes of a captivating upset.
Recent encounters, however, stack the odds against Burnley. City has triumphed in 15 out of the last 16 clashes between the two sides, amassing an astonishing aggregate score of 40-1 across the last 11 meetings. Notably, City has struck five goals or more on five occasions within this span, while Burnley's most recent goal against their upcoming opponents dates back to December 2019 - a history spanning eight meetings.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
A somewhat unexpected inclusion in Manchester City's matchday squad for the Community Shield was Kevin De Bruyne, who had recently recovered from an injury sustained in the Champions League final. De Bruyne emerged from the bench during the match but unfortunately missed a penalty during the shootout.De Bruyne's brief appearance offers optimism that he might be ready to start in this upcoming match. Pep Guardiola, in his pre-match press conference, also confirmed the availability of Nathan Ake, their only other lingering uncertainty.
Leading the attack will be Erling Haaland, aiming to replicate the remarkable statistics from his inaugural season in England, during which he astonishingly netted 36 goals in just 35 appearances.
Kyle Walker seems inclined towards remaining with Man City despite interest from Bayern Munich, potentially securing his place at right-back. On the other side, Joao Cancelo has returned and participated in pre-season, making him a left-back option, although Ake or Manuel Akanji are also viable choices.
Josko Gvardiol, the recent addition, might require time to secure a spot in the starting lineup despite his match fitness.
In the midfield, Kovacic could seamlessly step into the lineup, providing a direct replacement for the departed Gundogan.
Turning to Burnley, they will be without one of their recent acquisitions, Obafemi, who underwent hamstring surgery.
However, the starting XI might feature several other new signings, including Trafford, who could guard the goal against his former club.
While Berge's recent arrival from Sheffield United might delay his inclusion, Beyer, O'Shea, and Redmond could all find themselves in the starting lineup.
A significant challenge for Burnley will be filling the void left by last season's top-scorer, Nathan Tella, who returned to Southampton. Amdouni, the primary summer signing to address this gap, could take the lead in the attack for this match.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Burnley possible starting lineup:Trafford; Roberts, Beyer, O'Shea, Vitinho; Cork, Cullen; Redmond, Brownhill, Zaroury; Amdouni
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Akanji; Kovacic, Rodri, De Bruyne; Bernardo, Haaland, Grealish
EXPERT PREDICTION
Burnley 2-4 Manchester City
Were any other team to grace the opening day's stage, our confidence might lean toward Burnley carving out a favorable outcome. Yet, the reality is that Man City stands at the pinnacle of excellence, a benchmark that transcends the ordinary. Quelling the triumphant march of these treble conquerors demands more than a fervent crowd; it necessitates a feat that surmounts their exceptional prowess.
From end to end, the Citizens radiate an unmatched quality that extends beyond measure. Furthermore, Burnley's distinctive footballing approach might inadvertently align with the preferences of the visitors. Given this landscape, we find ourselves inclined to predict that Man City will initiate their quest for yet another title triumph in resounding victory.
