Prediction: Manchester City vs Burnley

Verdict: Manchester City to win and both teams to score
Best Odds: 13/8
Bookmaker: William Hill

Table-topping Manchester City host Burnley at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon looking to earn their 10th consecutive win in all competitions. Pep Guardiola’s men currently sit two points clear of local rivals Manchester United with this weekend’s opponents currently occupying an impressive seventh position ahead of the clash. With the Claret’s form away from home being particularly eye-catching, it is set to be an intriguing match in Eastlands.

Manchester City

The Citizens head into the weekend’s clash in scintillating form. The team have won their last ten games in all competitions including their last six in league action, hence their high-flying league position. The Sky Blues have only dropped an outstanding two points so far during the 2017/18 campaign, drawing with struggling Everton in August. Since then though, Manchester City have been a relentless, goal-scoring force. The team have found the net 37 times in their last ten games, having scored nearly four goals a game.

The ability to find the net is even more impressive in the Premier League; they have scored 24 goals in their last five league clashes including a hat-full in last weekend’s 7-2 victory over Stoke City. Home form has also been a huge factor in their success in recent times having only lost one game in their last 26 at the Etihad. Despite getting criticism for under-par defending in recent years, the Citizens’ back-line has been far stronger so far. Guardiola’s men have only conceded four goals in eight games this season so Burnley will have to be on top form in the final third to get the better of their hosts.

Team News

Pep Guardiola can welcome star striker Sergio Aguero back into the fold following his recovery from broken ribs sustained in a road accident. However, long-term absentees Benjamin Mendy and Vincent Kompany remain out. Therefore, the team seen in the 2-1 victory over Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday evening is more than likely going to feature again.

Burnley

Meanwhile, Sean Dyche’s Clarets head to the Etihad Stadium having put on a number of eye-catching performances on the road so far this season. Burnley have managed to pick up seven points away from home which includes wins over Chelsea and Everton, and earning a draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley. As a matter of fact, the Lancashire outfit have only fallen to defeat once in the league so far this season – a 1-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion at Turf Moor. Their only other defeat has come in the form of a penalty shoot-out loss to Leeds United in third round of the EFL Cup.

Conversely however, the Clarets have only won once in their last five games in all competitions. They only managed to toil to a 1-1 draw with West Ham United in their last game. Burnley will surely need to start winning more games if they are to maintain their position in the top half of the Premier League – they have not won back-to-back league games since the end of December 2016. The Clarets’ defence then, who have only conceded six goals in the Premier League this season, will be hugely tested at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

Team News

Fortunately for Sean Dyche, he does not have too many injury problems to be concerned with for the trip to Manchester. Summer signing Jonathan Walters remains out with a knee injury whilst goalkeeper Tom Heaton’s dislocated shoulder means that he is out for the foreseeable future. Midfielder Dean Marney is also not available for selection.

Key Facts To Consider

• Manchester City have the far better record between the two (W42, D24, L29)
• The Citizens have only lost one game out of the last 16 between the two
• The last clash at the Etihad Stadium ended 2-1 to the hosts
• Burnley have not won on the road against Manchester City since 1963
• Manchester City have won their last ten games in all competitions

Conclusion

Whilst Burnley’s away record in the Premier League has been more than positive, Manchester City’s sizzling form should see them earn yet another three points and retain their position at the top of the table. The Citizen’s razor-sharp form in front of goal should have the Clarets running for cover.

On the other hand, Chris Wood should prove a threat at the Etihad Stadium and could be good value for finding the net at the Etihad Stadium.

Verdict: Manchester City to win and both teams to score
Best Odds: 13/8
Bookmaker: William Hill