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Pep Guardiola says Burnley trip key for Man City's season

Yaya Toure marked his return to the Man City side by scoring the opening goal against Crystal Palace
Image: Manchester City won at Crystal Palace without playing well, according to Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola says Saturday's game against Burnley represents a key moment in Manchester City's title pursuit.

City face a quick turnaround for an early kick-off at Turf Moor after sealing Champions League progress at Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday night.

The home side go into the game on the back of a 4-0 defeat at West Brom, but that will only make them more dangerous according to Guardiola, who wants his side to start dominating even on tricky away trips.

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"This game is key for us," he said. "So important in terms of the points and in terms of getting better at our kind of game.

"Until now, we played well at Stoke City and West Brom, we didn't play well at Crystal Palace but we won. We have to try to insist in the way we play, even in those games away in small pitches against typical English football.

"I think it will be the toughest game for our regeneration, at 12.30. It is a derby, it is many things. We cannot forget they beat Liverpool, they lost in the 93rd minute against Arsenal and they drew at Old Trafford. What they do, they do really well. I am really impressed about their quality, their spirit.

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Crystal Palace 1-2 Man City

"Of course they lost the last game 4-0 to West Brom, but I can imagine what happens when a team loses 4-0. Their attention and focus is higher than before.

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"I prefer teams when they win a lot of games. They didn't win. So, in this moment, they are ready and prepared. In terms of intensity, I think they will be better. Their legs are faster and cleaner than ours."

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