Manchester City haven’t had the best of starts in the Premier League 2025/26 campaign as they have only managed seven points from the first five league games.
However, they are all set to host newly promoted Burnley at Etihad on Saturday, September 27 as Pep Guardiola would like to win and climb up the standings.
City are currently in ninth position in the points table but they are heading to this fixture following a 2-0 win over Huddersfield in the EFL Cup and a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League away from home.
Ahead of the game, Guardiola showered praise on former City star Kyle Walker, who has joined Burnley this summer after his contract got expired.
This will be the first time Walker will return to Etihad after leaving City and therefore is it extremely special for the 35-year-old.
He was a crucial part of Guardiola’s decade long career at City, and the duo have won several accolades together during their time for the Citizens.
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Hence, the Spaniard labelled him as one of the greatest fullbacks to grace the game mainly due to his impact at City in helping them win six Premier League titles, a Champions League crown and a couple of FA Cups.
“[He is] one of the greatest full-backs ever,” Guardiola told the reporters ahead of the Burnley clash. “Absolutely he deserves it. I’m pretty sure everybody will be happy to see him.
“It was an unbelievable few years for us and he was the right-back who defined our time here in the last nine or 10 years.
“I’m pretty sure he will get the gratitude of our fans.”
Walker was a crucial player for Manchester City under Guardiola
Walker moved to City in 2017 when he made the switch from Tottenham Hotspur and at Etihad, he established himself as one of City’s modern-day legends.
He featured in 319 appearances for the Citizens over eight trophy filled illustrious years at the club, some as captain.
Guardiola highlighted how he was relieved to have Walker in his team with his efficiency of dealing with winger. “When you had to control that side with the wingers, I slept like a baby before the games with Kyle there. He could handle top, top-class wingers in the world with his speed.”
“An incredible figure in the locker room … always being there in the good and the bad moments.
“Of course (last) season was tough for everyone, for him, for all of us. But I don’t like to judge one behavior for a short period of time. He was unbelievable.”
The 35-year-old spent half of his last season at AC Milan on loan before joining Scott Parker’s Burnley FC after his contract with City expired this summer.
Since joining the Clarets, he has been invaluable to Parker’s defense bringing leadership and experience to a Burnley side who are determined to avoid the drop this season from the English top flight.
However, Walker will have a tough task at hand in dealing with City’s potent attack led by Erling Haaland.
Burnley have only mustered four points after five league games and their only win this season came at home against Sunderland.
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