Burnley face a difficult test of their survival credentials in a huge Premier League clash against Manchester City at Turf Moor.
Victory would see Burnley move to within a point of safety and potentially 18th as well if Watford lose at Watford in the lunchtime kick-off.
Man City meanwhile could regain top spot with a win if Liverpool fail to beat Watford or potentially extend their lead to four points, if Liverpool were to suffer defeat against the Hornets.
Team News
Nathan Collins is suspended for Burnley after he was red carded in their defeat at Brentford last month.
Ben Mee (knock), Erik Pieters (knee), Matej Vydra (elbow) and Johann Berg Gudmundsson (calf) remain absent.
Man City could welcome Cole Palmer back from a foot injury which has kept him sidelined since early January.
Ederson (illness), Ruben Dias (hamstring) and John Stones (muscle) are doubts but Benjamin Mendy (personal) remains absent.
Stat Attack
- Burnley have claimed just six points from 15 Premier League meetings against Manchester City (W1, D3, L11).
- Man City have won four of their last five Premier League visits to Turf Moor (W4, D1).
- City’s Gabriel Jesus has scored three goals in his last two league appearances away against Burnley (W2).
- Burnley have conceded eight goals in their last three matches without scoring (L3).
- Man City haven’t been held to consecutive draws featuring the same result in the Premier League since 1-1 draws against Everton and Southampton in October 2016.
Prediction
With the most games in hand out of those fighting against relegation, Burnley know that a shock win here could be the springboard they need coming into this tough run-in to stage a great escape.
Sean Dyche however needs to find a way to get his Clarets banging in goals especially after a wasteful display at Brentford last time out, where they failed to take their chances and poor marking proved costly in the end despite defending well overall until the latter stages.
Man City meanwhile were uncharacteristically off-colour in their last Premier League outing as they were held to a goalless draw at Crystal Palace, yet hit back with a ruthless FA Cup win at Southampton despite sloppy play in possession at times.
Sloppy possession play here from City however is unlikely to yield much consequence if Burnley’s attacking struggles continue, especially because I can see the visitors coming through this encounter unscathed if they’re at their top quality.
Prediction: Burnley 0-3 Manchester City
Result: Burnley 0-2 Manchester City
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