Burnley FC vs Manchester City FC, Premier League 2020-2021, Today Match Prediction

Burnley FC vs Manchester City FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Manchester City are now looking like a clear favourite to win the league this season, albeit with 18 matches still to go.

They have fought back from a lacklustre start to the season to win nine of their previous 11 matches, overtaking 12 teams in that period to sit on top of the pile with a four point gap.

Manchester United may well have won their fixture against Southampton 24 hours before this game kicks off, so the gap could be reduced to a point at this stage. However, City will feel that with their current form, they can overcome a challenging test at Turf Moor.

Burnley stumbled a little in their revival mission with a loss over the weekend. The Clarets had won their last two matches and looked in fine form before a Chelsea side out to impress their new manager showed up to win 2-0.

This will be a stiff test for City here.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Burnley FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): LWWWL

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Three wins from last five represents good form for Burnley

     Showed their big match quality by beating Liverpool recently

Reasons to be fearful:

     City are the best team in the country right now

     Strikers Barnes and Wood to be assessed for injury

The side from Turf Moor have won four of their previous six home matches in the league, which is as many as they managed in their previous 16 attempts, showing real progress.

Burnley ended Liverpool’s unbelievable unbeaten away record the other week, though will need a far greater performance to see off Manchester City here, a side who are arguably the in-form team in Europe currently.

As well as keeping the ball out of their own net, Burnley’s problem may also be scoring themselves, with regular strike partners Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood facing late fitness tests after receiving knocks recently.

It’s a tough old ask this, for Burnley to take something from a City side who could run away with things at the top if the other sides aren’t careful.

Star Man – James Tarkowksi

The England centre back must be at his absolute best alongside captain Ben Mee in order to keep Manchester City’s attack quiet.

Manchester City FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): WWWWW

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Seeking a record-equalling 13 successive wins in all competitions

     Such a variety of quality players to choose from

Reasons to be fearful:

     Will be wary after Burnley beat Liverpool the other week

     Kevin De Bruyne remains on the sidelines

Manchester City can become the first Premier League side since Arsenal in 2002 to record 13 straight victories in all competitions, with the table toppers looking in unstoppable form right now.

With sides below them, such as Manchester United, Leicester and Liverpool all dropping points recently, City have taken advantage to steal in and open up a four-point gap at the top. Should United fail to win 24 hours earlier, that gap could widen here.

In their ranks, City have some marvellous players who could all be rotated in and out of the side with little difference in quality. 

Mahrez and Jesus scored in the last two matches, but it could just as easily have been Silva, Sterling or Foden. Sergio Aguero is also fit once again, though is likely to be eased back gradually into action.

Star Man – Ilkay Gundogan

One of the first names on the teamsheet at the moment. The German international is in sparkling form in front of goal.