Prediction: Burnley vs Manchester City

Verdict: Manchester City win and under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Bet365

Looking to reclaim their spot at the top of the table, Manchester City will travel to a revitalized Burnley on Sunday afternoon.

Burnley

Starting with the hosts, coming off the back of another impressive display in their 2-2 draw away at Stamford Bridge last time out, Burnley are enjoying quite the stellar end to the year. With Sean Dyche’s side now climbing up to 15th and securing another season of Premier League football, the Clarets are unbeaten in their last four top-flight outings, winning three of those contests. A huge part of Burnley’s late resurge has come down to their continued performances at Turf Moor. Picking up back-to-back victories over Cardiff and Wolves in their last two appearances in Lancashire, Dyce’s men have remarkably lost just two of their last nine league matches in front of their own supporters. With the mood in their camp arguably at a season-high, Sunday’s hosts will be looking for their attacking duo of Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood to carry on with their very bright end to the year. With Burnley now scoring two or more goals in each of their previous four appearances, Dyche’s leading men have bagged five goals in their last six matchups combined.

Team News

Burnley have reported no new injury concerns and could name the same team for a fourth straight match.

Peter Crouch, Steven Defour and Aaron Lennon remain out, while Phil Bardsley is doubtful with a gashed leg that has sidelined him for the last three games.

Manchester City

As for the visitors, picking up a 2-0 win away at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, Manchester City now find themselves in pole position to reclaim their Premier League crown. With the chance to once again leapfrog Liverpool to top spot with just three matches remaining, many around the Etihad believe that Pep Guardiola’s side could be on the verge of completing a famous treble-winning campaign. Despite seeing Spurs end their Champions League dreams earlier in the month, the former Barcelona boss has seen his side continue to shine in England’s top-tier. Winning their last 11 Premier League matches on the bounce, a run that stems back to the 29th of January, it has unsurprisingly been the Sky Blues form in the final third which is spearheading their title charge. City have already bagged 89 league goals this season and still hold the best-attacking record of any side across Europe’s top-tiers. One man to watch on Sunday will be leading goalscorer, Sergio Aguero. With 19 Premier League goals to his name already this season, the Argentinian marksman also has happy memories up against Burnley. The 30-year-old has scored eight goals in his last seven appearances against Burnley in all competitions.

Team News

Manchester City will assess Fernandinho, who was forced off against Manchester United with a knee problem.

City will hope that fellow midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who suffered a knock in Wednesday’s derby, is available.

Kevin de Bruyne remains out with a muscle injury.

Key Factors to Consider

• Manchester City are unbeaten in their last seven league and cup games against Burnley, winning six of those matches.
• Burnley’s win against Tottenham in February is their only victory in 15 Premier League home games against sides from the established top six (D2, L12).
• They have conceded 62 league goals in 2018-19, compared to 39 last term – only the bottom three have worse records this season prior to the latest round of matches.
• Pep Guardiola’s side have won 11 straight league games, the longest streak in the Premier League this season.
• They can become the first team to end a top-flight season with 14 consecutive victories, breaking Arsenal’s record of 13 in 2001-02.

Conclusion

While Burnley have undoubtedly made a string of improvements at the back end of the season, it is incredibly hard to look past Pep Guardiola’s defending champions. Picking up a 2-0 win away at Old Trafford in midweek and now winning their last five top-flight matches away from the Etihad, we’re backing the Sky Blues to come away with the victory against a stubborn Clarets outfit.

Verdict: Manchester City win and under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Bet365