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Attendance: 21,658
Burnley logo
Premier League
Feb 3, 2018 at 12.30pm UK
 
Manchester City logo

1-1

FT(HT: 0-1)
Danilo (22')

Preview: Burnley vs. Manchester City - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole provides predicted lineups, team news and a full match preview of Manchester City's trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley in the Premier League.

Manchester City make the short trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley with the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to 18 points.

The Clarets find themselves in a battle to keep hold of seventh place in the standings, but Sean Dyche's biggest concern will be his side's streak of nine games without a win in all competitions.


Burnley

Sean Dyche applauds after the Premier League game between Burnley and Crystal Palace on September 10, 2017© SilverHub

During the first half of the campaign, there is no doubting that Burnley deserved all of the credit that went their way after establishing themselves in the top seven of the table, but Dyche must now find a way to ensure that their season does not end a damp squib.

Last year, we witnessed West Bromwich Albion go from becoming the "best of the rest" to putting together a run of form which has lingered during the current campaign, and Dyche will be aware that his players must get back to winning ways in order to avoid the possibility of replicating Albion's plight.

Burnley have failed to win any of their last nine matches in all competitions, with their last top-flight success coming over Stoke City on December 12, and although they have recorded a 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford since that triumph, Dyche's team are finding it increasingly difficult to get over the line in matches.

On the flipside, Burnley dug deep - and benefitted from an own goal - to claim a 1-1 draw away at Newcastle United on Wednesday night, and that result could be the catalyst which gets the Clarets back on track.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope continues to be a revelation between the sticks and Burnley have still only conceded 22 goals in the league this season, but their lack of converted efforts at the other end of the pitch is a major concern.

Chris Wood has been a big miss but the New Zealand international remains Burnley's top scorer with four goals, and Dyche will no doubt be hoping that the January additions of Georges-Kevin Nkoudou and Aaron Lennon can lead to an improved return in the final third over the next three-and-a-half months.

Recent form: DDLLLD
Recent form (all competitions): DLLLLD


Manchester City

Pep Guardiola watches on during the Premier League game between Manchester City and Liverpool on September 9, 2017© SilverHub

On deadline day, City failed in their attempt to sign Leicester City midfielder Riyad Mahrez, but manager Pep Guardiola is unlikely to lose much sleep over missing out on another January signing.

The Spaniard will have concerns over the fitness of some of his attacking players but with Wednesday's 3-0 win over West Brom taking the club 15 points clear of neighbours and nearest rivals United, there can at least be some rotation in the coming weeks.

City will play just five matches in February - with just two coming in the Premier League - so injuries to the likes of David Silva and Leroy Sane are unlikely to derail any title chase. In fact, it could be argued that the two creators are getting a rest which can only benefit City later in the season.

Guardiola's biggest move in the transfer market was ensuring that a new centre-back arrived at the Etihad Stadium and the acquisition of Aymeric Laporte will only strengthen the league leaders, with less emphasis having to be placed on outscoring the opposition.

Before back-to-back clean sheets against Cardiff City and the Baggies, City had gone six games without a shutout - a streak which would have been seven had it not been for Ederson's penalty save against Crystal Palace - so all in all, Guardiola got his priorities right ahead of a big few months for the club.

Guardiola's main focus now is maintaining the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero. In City's last four games, the pair have contributed a remarkable eight goals and three assists between them and Burnley will have to find a way of stopping the duo if they are to have a chance of gaining a result on Saturday afternoon.

Recent form: WDWLWW
Recent form (all competitions): WLWWWW


Team News

David Silva in action during the Premier League game between Manchester United and Manchester City on December 10, 2017© Offside

City are likely to be without David Silva after the Spaniard limped off during the first half of the success over West Brom.

The quick turnaround could see Danilo and Vincent Kompany considered for selection, while John Stones remains a doubt through illness.

Dyche may hand a start to Sam Vokes for the game at Turf Moor, with Ashley Barnes playing for the full 90 minutes in the lone striker role at St James' Park.

Wood remains a likely absentee, but Lennon could be given his first start for Burnley on one of the flanks.

Burnley possible starting lineup:
Pope; Bardsley, Long, Mee, Taylor; Cork, Westwood, Arfield; Lennon, Hendrick, Vokes

Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Kompany, Otamendi, Zinchenko; Fernandinho, Gundogan; Sterling, De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva; Aguero


Head To Head

Saturday's meeting will represent the 98th competitive match between the two sides, with City claiming 44 wins in comparison to 29 victories for Burnley.

The Clarets have picked up five points from seven Premier league encounters with City, but City have won the last four fixtures between the two teams.

The most recent clash came just four weeks ago when Guardiola's men overturned a one-goal deficit to run out 4-1 victors in the FA Cup third round.


Sports Mole Logo

We say: Burnley 0-3 Manchester City

There may only be six places separating the two clubs in the table, but the gulf in class and form is much wider. City slipped up against Liverpool at Anfield, but four wins in a row have got them back on track and we expect another routine victory in the North-West.



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