Manchester City Vs Burnley: The Citizens Aim For Regular Victory At Etihad

JAKARTA - Manchester City and Burnley resumed their Premier League duties this weekend at the Etihad Stadium, Saturday night, September 27. Both teams came with different results at the EFL Cup, where City successfully advanced, while Burnley actually fell.

City just got up after Arsenal's draw in the league last week. Pep Guardiola's men beat Huddersfield Town 2-0 in the League Cup, with goals from Phil Foden and Savinho. The match also set the stage for eight academy players, including two sons of legends Emile Heskey, Reigan and Jaden, who made senior debuts.

Although they have only collected seven points from the five worst Premier League matches since 2006/07 City have a frightening record against promotional teams: 22 wins from the last 24 matches. Specifically against Burnley, The Citizens are in an extraordinary trend with 13 consecutive wins in all competitions, scoring 46 goals and conceding only two.

On the other hand, Burnley came on a bad investment after being beaten by Cardiff City 1-2 at home at the EFL Cup. The result adds to the winless record in four consecutive matches, including three in the Premier League. Scott Parker's men are now sitting in 16th place in the standings, just one point from the relegation zone.

Burnley's away record to City's headquarters was also gloomy. They have never won in their last 19 visits to Etihad since 1963, including seven consecutive defeats in the Premier League with 25 goals lodged in their net.

City still lost five injured players: Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Mateo Kovacic. Erling Haaland was doubtful about a minor back injury against Arsenal and missed in the middle of the week, but Guardiola is optimistic the bomber is ready to return. Haaland himself has contributed six of City's nine goals in the league this season.

Guardiola is expected to field the best team with Donnarumma, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Rodri, Jeremy Doku, Bernardo Silva, and Foden back to starting XI.

From Burnley's camp, Jordan Beyer,priya Roberts, and Zeki Amdouni were absent from injury, while Jacob Bruun Larsen is still in doubt. Lesley Ugochukwu, who has returned from suspension, will compete with Florentino Luis in midfield. Kyle Walker has the opportunity to appear at Etihad against a former club that gave him 18 trophies in eight years of his career.

City were too superior in the record meetings and the quality of the squad. Burnley could try to hold on to the meeting and rely on counter-attacks, but if Haaland returns, Guardiola's men will almost certainly have the explosive power to confirm the three points on Etihad.

Manchester City's Lineup (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Lewis, Dias, Gvardiol, O'ziel; Rodri; Bernardo, Reijnders, Foden, Doku; Haaland.

Burnley (5-4-1): Dubravka; Walker, Laurent, Ekdal, Esteve, Hartman; Tchaouna, Cullen, Ugochukwu, Anthony; Foster.

Manchester City Score Prediction 3-0 Burnley