With talisman Sergio Aguero leaving in the summer and the Citizens’ failed attempt at signing Harry Kane, Pep Guardiola pivoted towards Ferran Torres as his main man up front, even though the Spaniard had not previously played that role.
Torres picked up an injury recently while away on international duty and thus the Citizens will be playing without the Spaniard against Burnley this weekend.
Collins emphasised that getting to play at the Etihad, at the home of the English champions, would be a fantastic experience for him as it would allow him to compete against, in his opinion, the best in the land.
The defender also pointed out that playing against a team that do not deploy a traditional striker will be a challenging experience, one the Clarets will have to be ready for.
“It is going a good game and I can’t wait for it”, Collins was quoted as saying by Burnley’s official site.
“Hopefully I have done enough to ask a big question of the gaffer.
“It would be special for me to play at the Etihad as well, that stadium is immense.
“To play against the big boys, that is why I play football, I want to play against the best, compete against the best and be the best.
“These are the stages I want to play on for sure.
“It will be difficult without them playing with a recognised striker, it poses a different question.
“But I think you have to be ready for it.”
Although not playing with a traditional striker, the Citizens have scored freely, netting 14 goals so far in the Premier League, the joint third-highest tally in the top flight.
