Manchester City look to chase Liverpool at the Premier League summit as they host Burnley in domestic league action on Thursday morning (AEDT).
The Reds hold a five-point cushion atop the standings, but Man City have a game in hand and thus sit within a single result of snatching control of the title chase.
All eyes will be on Pep Guardiola's team sheet as Erling Haaland and John Stones eye a return to the side. Haaland has missed 13 games and 53 days of action with a foot injury, and while he may not be ready to start, he could feature off the bench. Stones, meanwhile, hasn't started since early December amidst an injury-stricken campaign, but came off the bench against Spurs in the FA Cup midweek and could be ready for a full return from his ankle issue.
Their return coincides with the recent addition of Kevin de Bruyne back into the side, after the Belgian produced a goal and assist off the bench against Newcastle two weeks ago after missing the entire first half of the campaign.
Burnley have been cast into the thick of the relegation battle this season, as the magic of former Man City stalwart Vincent Kompany from last year's promotion has seemingly run out this year. They have begun to show signs of a turnaround with eight points gained since the start of December, but face a daunting task here against a side who won the reverse fixture emphatically 3-0 to open the season back in August.
Odds via Unibet.
Man City vs Burnley prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Man City ($1.09)
- Score prediction: Man City 3-1 Burnley
Burnley have done well to steal results off more forgiving sides, but they will find themselves punished by Man City who are one of the most ruthless teams in Europe. Vincent Kompany's side picked up points against Fulham and Brighton in December despite being battered at times, and they came close to results against Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Yet against Man City, every single mistake can be punished. In their season opening defeat to City at Turf Moor, Pep Guardiola's side was good enough for the significant margin of victory, scoring their three goals on 17 shots worth 2.08 xG, to Burnley's six efforts and one on target.
There will be chances for Kompany's men to grab points and make a comeback out of the relegation zone, but against a Man City side regaining both form and fitness, now won't be the time.
Get on a same game Multi with Unibet
| Unibet (AU) | |
| Man City win | $1.09 |
| Draw | $12.50 |
| Burnley win | $26.00 |
| Both teams to score Y/N | $2.43 / $1.53 |
| Over / Under 3.5 goals | $1.88 / $1.92 |
Man City vs Burnley match facts
- Date: Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 (Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 AEDT)
- Kickoff time: 7:30 p.m. local (6:00am AEDT / 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT)
- Location: Etihad Stadium (Manchester, England)
- Referee: Sam Barrott VAR: Rob Jones
- Last meeting: Burnley 0-3 Man City (Aug. 11, 2023 | Premier League)
Get on a same game Multi with Unibet
Man City vs Burnley best bet
- Pick: Burnley +2.5 goal handicap
- Odds: $1.96 (Unibet)
While Man City clobbered Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup third round a few weeks ago, they otherwise have not been quite the same overwhelming blowout artists they were in last year's treble season. Since returning from the Club World Cup where they blew out both Urawa Red Diamonds and Fluminense, they have just the one win by three or more goals in five matches.
Burnley, meanwhile, haven't been beaten by such a margin since a pair of three-goal defeats in October, a run of 12 straight games at least keeping things within reach.
Man City matches against inferior opponents always have a chance of getting out of hand, but this year City's defensive lapses and regression in front of goal have kept them from being the same truly dominant side, and even if Erling Haaland returns to the pitch late on, he may be a bit rusty and in need of form.
