A trip to Manchester City is one of the most feared fixtures on the Premier League calendar for Burnley, who are shackled with an abysmal recent record against the Cityzens.
Match News and Current Form
At this early stage of the season, Manchester City are already eight points adrift in the title race. That gap would’ve been at a slightly less worrying six had they not thrown away a 1-0 lead against Arsenal in stoppage time last weekend, but with just seven points on the board this term, City have posted their worst five-game start to a Premier League season since 2006/07. Pep Guardiola’s side remain a formidable force at home though, especially against league newcomers, as they have won 22 of their last 24 Premier League games against promoted sides (D2).
Burnley have become accustomed to facing stern tests this season, with this their fourth game against one of the traditional ‘big six’ sides already this term. A harsh set of opening fixtures sees them on just four points after five games (W1, D1, L3), but Clarets fans have been encouraged by what they’ve seen so far, so the league table only tells half of the story. Supporters are likely to be much less enthused by their recent Premier League away record which reads just one win in 12 (D3, L8), and after being dumped out of the EFL Cup by League One Cardiff in midweek, it’s hard to make many meaningful arguments for any Burnley success here.
Head-to-Head History
This clash has been as one sided as possible of late, with City winning each of their last 13 meetings with Burnley in all competitions by an aggregate score of 46-2. Burnley are winless in their last 19 away league H2Hs (D6, L13) since a 5-2 win in March 1963!
Hot Stats and Streaks
City have led a league-high four games at half-time this season.
City are averaging 11 shots per game in the Premier League this term, their lowest on record in a single campaign since 2000/01.
Burnley’s last five Premier League away goals against City arrived after half-time.
Pre-round, Burnley have conceded the first goal a joint-league high four times.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Only against Aston Villa (five) has Rodri scored more career goals than against Burnley (three), including one in both of his last two meetings. Midfield rival Florentino has recorded 3+ tackles in both his Premier League appearances so far since moving to Burnley.
A handful of City absentees include summer recruits Rayan Aït-Nouri and Rayan Cherki. Burnley could once again be without Jacob Bruun Larsen, but do welcome Lesley Ugochukwu back from suspension.
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Betting Analysis
Given how one-sided this fixture has historically been, backing City to win by a -2 handicap could be the way forward.
Author: Chris Wilson