Prediction and odds for the game: Manchester City (1/7) v Burnley (18/1)
We are taking a punt on under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 11/5
When: Saturday 14th March, Kick-off 3 PM
Where: The Etihad Stadium
On Saturday afternoon, Manchester City host Burnley at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League.
Manchester City
The Citizens saw a midweek clash against Arsenal postponed due to the Coronavirus. However, as it stands this game goes ahead at the Etihad Stadium.
This is a must not lose game for City, as if they lose this clash then Liverpool would only need to beat Everton in Monday’s Merseyside derby to win the Premier League. Although it now seems inevitable that Jurgen Klopp’s team win end their 30-year wait for an English top-flight title.
Last time out, the Citizens suffered a 2-0 derby defeat at arch-rivals Manchester City. The defeat ended a run of five straight wins in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s team.
The defeat also means that City have claimed two wins and suffered two defeats in their last four top-flight matches. Rather unusually for City, their recent league games have been low-scoring with under 2.5 goals scored in their last five league matches.
City are undefeated in five home games in the Premier League, having recorded four victories. The home side has scored at least two goals in eight of their last nine matches.
Burnley
The Clarets head into this game on the back of a seven-game unbeaten run in the Premier League. Last time out Sean Dyche’s team drew 1-1 at home against Tottenham. The result means that four of the Clarets last six league outings have produced under 2.5 goals.
The visitors recent good run of form has moved them into 10th place. There is even talk of a challenge for a European place. It is a big turnaround for a team who were talked about as potential relegation fodder just a few months ago.
Dyche’s team are unbeaten in their last three matches on the road in the Premier League, having recorded two victories. The Clarets have struggled for goals away from home in the top-flight, having scored just six times in their last seven matches on their travels.
Their lack of goals scored has contributed to four of their last six away games in the Premier League producing under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
We fancy Manchester City to come out on top in this clash, despite defeat last time out. However, Burnley are unlikely to be an easy opponent to beat. Clarets goalkeeper Nick Pope has claimed ten clean sheets this season, a tally bettered only by Liverpool’s Alisson Becker.
With both teams’ recent matches being low-scoring, we are backing the under 2.5 goals scored. The other recommendation is for City winger Riyad Mahrez to be an anytime goalscorer at odds of 11/10. Simply because the Algerian offers good value.
Verdict: We are backing the under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 11/5 and/or Riyad Mahrez to be an anytime scorer at odds of 11/10. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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