England Premier League
Wednesday 31st January 2024
Kick off at 7:30pm GMT
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Match Preview:
The champions find themselves 5 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool although they have played a game less but it seems that this will be a game of consistency for the next four months and we have witnessed many epic battles between the two sides before. Of course the other story when these two teams meet is that the Etihad will be welcoming back club legend Vincent Kompany as manager of Burnley and he is sure to get a very warm reception from the home fans, that is until the business kicks off.
Manchester City have bounced back from an earlier wobble and have won their last 3 games in a row with victories over Everton, Sheffield United and Newcastle. The returning Kevin De Bruyne who has missed the majority of the season has been a huge boost for them, if he isn’t scoring goals he is providing and he has been an instant success story on his comeback. At home Pep Guardiola’s side are unbeaten but have drawn 3 at home from their 9 games played. Last weekend there was more joy to be had as they squeezed past Tottenham 1-0 in the FA Cup and given that was a tricky away game it was another great result for the club.
It’s been almost 3 weeks since Burnley played a game as they were knocked out of this year's FA Cup on the first time of trying, ironically against Tottenham who City have just beaten themselves. The Clarets are in 19th place with 12 points and once we factor in goal difference they are 6 points from safety. The club's last game was an important one as they faced the side in 18th place, Luton and that game finished in a 1-1 draw. Vincent Kompany’s side have gone their last three games without a win with their latest one coming just before Christmas as they beat Fulham. Away from home has been better for the club with 8 of their 12 points coming this way. They did lose their last away game against Aston Villa although it is just one defeat from their last three trips.
Team News:
Manchester City: Erling Haaland has recovered from a foot injury but has a lack of match fitness and will be assessed, he is being tipped to start from the bench. Manuel Akanji has a knock and is only 50/50 to make this fixture.
Burnley: Jordan Beyer and Hannes Delcroix will both be assessed for knocks. Charlie Taylor is pushing for a return from a shoulder injury and will be assessed.
Man City vs Burnley Head to Head:
The clubs last met here in 2023 in the FA Cup where Manchester City won 6-0.
Earlier in the season in the reverse fixture Manchester City won 3-0.
From the last 8 meetings the score reads Manchester City 28-0 Burnley.
Man City vs Burnley Prediction:
We would love to say that Manchester City are excellent value to win this game but this isn’t the 1990s anymore and their best price is that for every £10 staked you win £1. It is for a good reason when you see the recent history between the sides and the fact that City are near full strength. Even Erling Haaland is expected to play at one point and this game does look very inevitable that City are going to win and score goals too. For some value it would be worth looking into the handicap markets if you are looking to place a straight win.
Liverpool are playing on the same night and there could be a nightmare scenario for the champions where they end the night 8 points behind the Reds. We do not see that happening at all, because City can go through ebbs and flows and some surprises but the team really look united on all fronts and are coming into great form. Maybe one criticism of the side playing at home is that they are not thrashing enough teams, their last big win at home a 6-0 one over Bournemouth was back in November, so Burnley should watch out.
Man City vs Burnley Betting Tips:
Handicap: Manchester City to beat Burnley with a -2 goal start at 1.91
Anytime goalscorer: Phil Foden at 2.25
Anytime goalscorer: Kevin De Bruyne at 2.75
The 'PLACE BET' button will take you to BetUK.com, where these selections can be found. Please gamble responsibly, 18+ BeGambleAware.org
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