Will it be another 5:0?

After Newcastle made headlines during the international break with their takeover of the Saudi Arabian consortium and their sudden rise to become the richest club in the world, Manchester City have a must-win game against Burnley FC at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

After Guardiola’s charges failed to win their last two competitive games, Burnley come just in time. The Skyblues have not been so successful against any other club in the English league recently. For Manchester City vs Burnley, the odds for a bet on the winner suggest that points 15, 16 and 17 are firmly on the cards for the Skyblues.

Burnley, on the other hand, face a real mammoth task. After three games in a row in which they remained unbeaten in the competition, the performance curve is showing a slight upward trend. Nevertheless, they had hoped for more than a draw, especially in the last league game before the international break against bottom team Norwich. For the upcoming clash at the Himmelblauen from Manchester, there are no signs of anything countable on the part of the “Clarets”.

Manchester City – Statistics & current form

After Manchester City drew against Liverpool last matchday and even lost against Paris in the Champions League, there is now a bit more pressure on Pep Guardiola’s men. From a purely statistical point of view, the betting on Manchester City against Burnley can only go in the direction of the home team. City have won four in a row at home against Burnley, 5-0. No other team has managed such an impressive record before.

Furthermore, the Skyblues have taken 28 points from a possible 30 in their last ten meetings with the Clarets. The last defeat against Burnley was more than six years ago and dates back to 2015. Back then, they lost 1-0 away at Turf Moor while still under Manuel Pellegrini’s management.

Home without conceding a goal

Manchester City make it particularly difficult for opposing attacking lines at home. They have not conceded a single goal in three league games so far. Consequently, City have the best defence with three goals conceded. After two outstanding 5-0 victories in the first two home games, a sobering 0-0 draw against Ralph Hasenhüttl and Southampton followed on matchday five. For Manchester City vs. Burnley, all forecasts again point to another clean sheet.

Riyad Mahrez vs Burnley on fire

When Burnley FC come to the Etihad Stadium, Riyad Mahrez is particularly happy. The “Clarets” are the absolute favourite opponent of the Algerian dribbler. The 30-year-old has scored more goals against no other opponent in the league – eight in all. Among them was a hat-trick last season. Seven of the eight goals were scored in a Citizens shirt.

In contrast, another player is currently impressing mainly with assists. Gabriel Jesus prefers to come down the right side this season. In his six starts, he has already collected four assists. That means he already has as many assists as he did last season after 29 appearances.

Ferran Torres, who was injured in the Nations League, will be absent. However, this does not change the fact that Manchester City are heavy favourites against Burnley for a bet on the outcome of the match.

Predicted line-up of Manchester City:
Ederson – Cancelo, Laporte, Dias, Walker – Silva, Rodrigo, De Bruyne – Mahrez, Grealish, Jesus

Last matches played by Manchester City:

Burnley – Statistics & current form

Whoever looks at the statistics of the last meetings between the two teams will quickly come to the conclusion that scoring a goal is already a positive thing. In their last eight encounters against Manchester City, Burnley have managed just one goal league-wide, conceding 30.

First win of the season at fearful opponents?

After all, Burnley have gone three games in a row without defeat. The last two league games were separated by a draw. The 2:2 draw with the Foxes from Leicester on matchday six can certainly be seen as a respectable success. However, this was followed by a disappointing 0-0 draw at home against bottom team Norwich. The Clarets’ only wins so far this season have come in the League Cup. Despite all this, Manchester City vs. Burnley have record-breaking odds on an away win.

Defensive ☻ Offensive

If you look at the numbers in a league comparison, it quickly becomes clear that Burnley have one of the weakest defensive lines, conceding eleven goals. Nevertheless, they have only conceded more than two goals once so far. Opponents like Liverpool or Arsenal also found it difficult to score goals against Burnley. However, the biggest problem and the decisive reason for the current 18th place in the table clearly lies in their own offensive, where they have the second worst record after Norwich with five own goals after seven games.

In view of the current situation in the table and the upcoming difficult games, Burnley cannot afford to give up a game despite an almost hopeless starting position against City. Every point counts and could end up being valuable in the fight against relegation.

Will Sean Dyche match Sir Alex Ferguson?

When reigning champions Manchester City take on Burnley FC on Saturday, manager Sean Dyche could become only the second coach in history to win away from home with a club against three different defending champions with a victory. Liverpool were beaten at Anfield in pre-season and the Clarets beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 17-18. In terms of personnel, they can hope for the services of record signing Maxwell Cornet, who was absent from the last game after scoring his debut goal against Leicester

Predicted Burnley line-up:
Pope – Taylor, Mee, Tarkowski, Lowton – Cornet, Brownhill, Westwood, McNeil – Wood, Vydra

Last games played by Burnley:

Manchester City – Burnley Direct Comparison / H2H Balance

Although the overall statistics look relatively even at first glance, a closer look reveals that the Citizens have won ten of the last 14 meetings. Burnley have fought for a draw three times and won once in 2015. Three of the last four Manchester City vs. Burnley duels have resulted in more than four goals, which should be taken into account in the betting. The Skyblues’ last two home games against the “Clarets” ended 5-0.

Manchester City – Burnley Tip

For Manchester City there is currently no more grateful opponent than Burnley. Every statistic speaks in favour of the Skyblues. Anything other than a win for City would be a huge surprise. 28 points out of a possible 30 from the last encounters against the “Clarets” speak a clear language in favour of Pep Guardiola’s team.

Sean Dyche’s men, who have been at the helm of Burnley since 2012, have all experienced these many high defeats first-hand. The last two trips to the Etihad Stadium in particular were no joy ride. Both duels ended 5-0 and point to another emphatic home win in the upcoming clash between Manchester City and Burnley, in line with the bookies’ forecast.

Based on the last results of both teams in the direct duel as well as the offensive weakness of the visitors and the defensive strength of the home team, our prediction goes in the direction of a victory for City without conceding a goal. The odds of 1.61 provide attractive value. We bet 7 Units.