Prediction: Manchester City vs Burnley

Prediction: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 1/8

Bookmaker: bet365

Premier League football is back, and over the course of the last few days, we’ve seen a whole lot of drama as fans across the world continue to pour their support into one of the most popular leagues on the planet – in any sport. On Monday night, that streak will continue as Burnley face a short trip to take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. If the Clarets can get the win over Pep Guardiola’s men, then in all likelihood, the Premier League crown will finally make its way back to Anfield.

Manchester City

Everyone knows that City are fighting a losing battle, and while it may be admirable to see them still giving it everything they’ve got, the inevitable fact is that Liverpool are almost guaranteed to take their title as the Champions of England. All City can do now is go out there and get as close as they possibly can towards the Reds come the end of the season, and then when we start the new campaign, they’ll be able to take some real momentum with them – and there’s a lot to be said for that.

Team News

Pep is expected to mix things up with his team selection, although Sane is set to only make the bench whereas Garcia is a doubt.

Burnley

While they may currently be in a midtable position, Burnley are still considered to be contenders in the race to qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Sean Dyche has been able to get this club back to a point where fans can start to dream again, and they can look up as opposed to looking over their shoulder at the relegation battle. Whether or not they can sustain that between now and the end of the season remains to be seen, but you know they’re going to give it their best shot.

Team News

Gudmundsson and Wood have both returned to training but won’t make it back in time for this game, whereas Barnes will miss out due to a back injury.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in December, Man City beat Burnley 4-1.
• Man City have won five and lost one of their last six games.
• Burnley have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games.
• Man City have scored nine goals and conceded four in their last six games.
• Burnley have scored seven goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

Burnley are one of the most intriguing teams to watch outside of the top six, mainly because they always seem to maintain such a consistent structure. Alas, while we do think they’ll be able to keep City out for a while, we aren’t confident that they’ll be able to do so for the entire game. As was the case last season, we can see City wearing them down before ultimately taking the lead in the final 15-20 minutes. From there, anyone would back the champions to keep hold of it.

Prediction: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 1/8

Bookmaker: bet365