Manchester City vs Burnley – Citizens look to lap up Clarets

20/10/2017 | Categories: Football | Published by: AC

Updated: 22/09/2023

Manchester City vs Burnley FC – Etihad Stadium – October 21, 2017 -15:00hrs – EPL Preview

Manchester City vs Burnley Prediction

Best Odds: Manchester City 3-1 Burnley @ 11/1 with WilliamHill

Best Odds: Manchester City 2-1 Burnley @ 13/1 with Betvictor

Burnley were fortunate to come out of last weekend's clash with West Ham unscathed, thanks to a late goal by Chris Wood. The Hammers led for most of the match helped by a 19th minute strike by Antonio, but what was surprising is that the hosts could not take advantage of a West Ham side down to 10 men in the 27th minute (striker Andy Carroll being red-carded).

It was Chris Wood's 85th minute equalizer that saved the day for the Clarets, who will now have to bank heavily on the New Zealand striker (the team’s top scorer this season) when they visit the Emirates this Saturday. Along with England-international striker Sam Vokes, Wood can combine to strike a blow or two at the best in Saturday's Emirates clash.

But even if that were to happen, would it sufficient to stop the potential barrage of goals the visiting Clarets may have to take in?. Stoke City learnt it the hard way at the Emirates last weekend when they thought they had come close to equalizing with the score reading 2-3 just a little after half-time.

Man City's Chances

Man City have left little doubt in anybody's minds as to who the best side in the Premier League is. Even without their key-striker Sergie Aguero, the Citizens have got more goals in their last five Premier League games (24) than any other 5-match spell in the club's history. Someone like Kevin de Bruyne, who is not even among the goals (just one in the season so far) has created more opportunities for scoring than any other player in the Premier League just with the help of some brilliant play making. Others like Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane are scoring with ease (6,6 and 4 goals respectively).

Even the defense, that was City's Achilles Heel in the past has strengthened a lot this season. The meager four goals they have let in so far is a testimony to that.

Burnley's Chances

As for Eddie Howe's men, goals have been hard to come by. Eight goals from as many outings will hardly give them comfort when facing a side like coach Pep Guardiola's City. Their most significant achievement this season was the 2-3 away win against Chelsea. But that was against a side down to nine men early in the game.

The Clarets have not managed to score more than a goal in any of their following seven games. Burnley's defense comprising of Matthew Lowton, James Tarkowski, Ben Mee and Stephen Ward and has been tight as witnessed from the 1-1 draws they eeked out against teams like Tottenham and Liverpool earlier in the season. The visitors’ track record of not having lost against any of the three top-flight clubs so far may stand them in good stead at the Emirates, but only up to an extent. Whether their doggedness in defending their goal could keep a marauding City at bay would be interesting to see.

Meanwhile Pep Guardiola's boys hosted Napoli for a mid-week UEFA Champions Group clash – City top the Group F with 2 wins (6 goals scored and none against, before the game).

Watch highlights of the Manchester City vs Napoli game below.

Manchester City vs Burnley Match Verdict

As for October 21st's Manchester City vs Burnley Premier league encounter, City will be licking their chops at the prospect of having a go at the visiting Clarets and collect three easy points. But then, the Premier league is no stranger to tremendous winning runs come to a grinding halt with a draw or an unexpected loss playing spoil sport.

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