Manchester City vs Burnley Preview

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• Over 1.5 goals for City

Trips to the Etihad Stadium are notoriously difficult for most teams, but for Burnley they have been especially daunting over the past decade. Manchester City have made a habit of brushing aside the Clarets with ease, and the omens don’t look much different this time around.

That said, City enter this contest under some pressure after a sluggish start to the campaign by their lofty standards. A stoppage-time equaliser conceded against Arsenal last weekend saw them drop two more points, leaving them with only seven from their opening five games. This represents their worst start to a Premier League season since 2006/07, a remarkable statistic considering how dominant they’ve been in recent years. Sitting eight points adrift in the title race at this early stage may not be disastrous, but it does put Pep Guardiola’s men on notice. A convincing win is required here to steady nerves.

If there is reason for optimism within the City camp, it is their phenomenal home record against promoted sides. They have won 22 of their last 24 Premier League fixtures in such circumstances (D2), often combining ruthless efficiency in attack with ironclad defence. Even with some key players sidelined, they still boast the squad depth to rotate and remain competitive.

Burnley, meanwhile, are already facing the harsh realities of life back in the Premier League. Having been handed one of the most difficult starts of any team, they’ve already clashed with multiple members of the traditional “big six.” Their record so far is one win, one draw and three defeats, giving them four points from a possible 15. On paper it looks underwhelming, but the performances have at least provided encouragement. Supporters remain wary though, particularly after their EFL Cup exit to League One Cardiff in midweek, which underlined issues with squad depth and consistency.

Burnley’s away record provides little inspiration either. They have managed just one victory in their last 12 Premier League away games (D3, L8). Against a side of City’s calibre, and at a ground where they have endured some of their most chastening defeats in recent memory, this could be another long afternoon.

История встреч

Manchester City’s dominance in this fixture has been extraordinary. The Cityzens have won the last 13 meetings in all competitions, racking up a scarcely believable aggregate score of 46-2 across those encounters. For Burnley, the trip to Manchester has been a recurring nightmare.

The Clarets are winless in their last 19 league visits to City (D6, L13), stretching all the way back to March 1963 when they won 5-2. That is over six decades of frustration, with the recent trend suggesting little chance of a turnaround. City’s ability to combine free-flowing attacking football with relentless pressing has regularly left Burnley chasing shadows in these games.

Горячая статистика и полосы

• Manchester City have led at half-time in four of their five league games this season, the most of any team.
• City’s average of 11 shots per game this season is their lowest in Premier League history since 2000/01.
• Burnley have conceded the first goal in four of their five league matches, joint-most in the division.
• All of Burnley’s last five Premier League away goals against City came in the second half.
• City have scored three or more goals in six of their last seven home games against Burnley.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

For City, midfielder Родри has proved a thorn in Burnley’s side in recent seasons. He has scored three times against the Clarets, his joint-second best tally against any opponent, including in each of his last two appearances in this fixture.

His presence in the middle of the park, dictating tempo and breaking up play, will be vital.

On the Burnley side, Florentino offers grit and industry in midfield. Since his arrival, he has averaged more than three tackles per match, highlighting his defensive contribution. Against a side like City, his work rate and ability to break up attacks will be tested to the maximum.

Team news could also play a role. Manchester City are still without summer recruits Rayan Aït-Nouri and Rayan Cherki due to injury, while Burnley may once again be missing Jacob Bruun Larsen. The Clarets do at least welcome back Lesley Ugochukwu from suspension, which adds some stability in midfield.

Предсказание

The head-to-head record, City’s home strength, and Burnley’s travel woes all point in one direction. City may not yet be firing on all cylinders this season, but this fixture has historically been the perfect opportunity for them to rediscover rhythm and goalscoring form.

Burnley have shown courage and spirit in patches, but those qualities alone rarely hold up at the Etihad. If they are to stand any chance, they must avoid conceding early, as City have made a habit of suffocating opponents with wave after wave of attacks once they establish a lead.

The most likely outcome is another comfortable home victory, with City expected to dominate possession, create chances in abundance, and punish any defensive lapses from the Clarets.

Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Burnley

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Manchester City v Burnley | 2025/2026 | Premier League | Overview