Manchester City sit at the top of the Premier League and remain unbeaten, which is something a few people will have expected this season. Something that many didn’t expect to see was that their opponents this weekend Burnley, have only lost one game so far, and are unbeaten in their last five. It has been a very promising start for Burnley, who are finding a way to pick up regular points and look set to survive yet again in the Premier League if they can keep that up.
Manchester City have already built themselves a nine point advantage over last season’s league winners Chelsea and they could be on their way to setting up an all-Manchester battle for the title. After winning some tough games, they won’t want to slip up at home to Burnley, a game they should be winning.
Premier League – Etihad Stadium, Manchester – Saturday 21th October 2017 – 15:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 10 at Ladbrokes |
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Manchester City
BurnleyManchester City Form
It has been a very bright start for Manchester City, and no one has really been able to keep up with them. Many people will be talking about their goal scoring, and rightly so because they have scored a hugely impressive 29 goals from eight games, including seven last weekend against Stoke. However, what has also been impressive has been their defensive play, they have conceded just four goals, giving them a great goal difference of +25, which is league winning quality.
The win last week was Manchester City at their attacking best, and every single time they had the ball they looked threatening and likely to score. If they turn up in the same frame of mind, then this looks like being a long day for the Burnley defenders. At times they simply look unstoppable, making them great for fans to watch, as well as for the neutrals and hopefully they can put on a show like they did last weekend.
Burnley Form
Burnley’s current record stands at three wins, four draws and one loss from their eight games. They have started the season very well and done exactly the right things that a potential relegation team should do. They have found a way to win games, but when they haven’t been winning, they have found a way to still pick up a point and that is vital. This game may not be the easiest game to pick up a point, but they have shown great resilience and while it may not be enough this weekend, it will be enough in other games.
Burnley have been involved in a lot of low scoring games so far and that is clearly their tactic to try and avoid the drop. They have conceded just six goals, which is fantastic, but that has left them scoring just eight goals. They will never be one of the league’s biggest scorers, due to their defensive nature, and as long as they can continue their good defensive play that will be fine for them.
Team News
After scoring seven goals, with six different names on the scoresheet it is highly unlikely that Manchester City will change anything this week. Although he didn’t make the scoresheet, Kevin De Bruyne was involved in everything that Manchester City did going forward. He has been exceptional this season, and remains a vital part of the team, he is great to watch and I am expecting another clinical performance from him in this one.
Burnley can expect to play a lot of defensive football in this one and they are sure to face a barrage from Manchester City. Central defenders Ben Mee and James Tarkowski are going to be vital and they will have to have the game of their lives to keep Manchester City at bay. It is going to be a huge test for them, and the first 20 minutes are going to be crucial, they can’t afford to concede a goal.
Top Betting Tips
This game looks likely to really test Burnley and I don’ think they quite have enough to repel the force of Manchester City. After seeing City demolish Stoke last weekend, I am expecting them to win comfortably again this weekend when Burnley are the visitors. The main market has little value so I will be looking at the correct score market for my bet. Manchester City are 6/1 to win 3-0 with Ladbrokes and Paddy Power, I think that represents good value in this one. Burnley will try hard to defend for their lives, but ultimately I think Manchester City will have enough to beat Burnley by a comfortable score.