The final match to be played in the first full round of Premier League fixtures following the resumption of play is at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City take on Burnley with the title hopes of the former hanging by a thread.
Manchester City will come into the game in second place while Burnley find themselves in mid table with an outside chance of qualifying for Europe.
Manchester City were one of the first teams back in action following the suspension of the Premier League due to coronavirus. They were made to work hard by Arsenal in the first half of the game but made a crucial breakthrough just before half time through Raheem Sterling. Into the second half and David Luiz clumsily gave away a penalty and was sent off. That allowed Manchester City to cruise to a 3-0 win.
It was an important victory for Manchester City who prior to the suspension of the league suffered a 2-0 defeat at local rivals Manchester United. However, the Citizens have won 6 of their last 7 matches in all competitions, 3 of which have come in the Premier League and one was an impressive away victory at Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Trends show of their last 9 home matches in the Premier League, Manchester City have seen 7 finish with over 2.5 goals plus they have scored 2 or more goals in all of their last 5 home Premier League games.
Burnley signed off before the enforced break with a decent 1-1 draw at home against Tottenham Hotspur. That result means they are unbeaten in their last 5 games in all competitions, with wins coming at Southampton and at home over Bournemouth in the Premier League.
In terms of the Premier League, Burnley are undefeated in their last 7 matches with additional victories over Leicester City at home and at Manchester United, both of which were fantastic results. The Clarets are undefeated in their last 3 away league games. Despite being held to a 0-0 draw at Newcastle United, Burnley have shown they can score goals away from home having netted twice at both Manchester United and Southampton.
Looking at the head to head record between the two teams and it makes dismal reading for Burnley, who have failed to win any of the last 9 matches between the teams in all competitions. In fact, they have lost 8 of those 9 games.
Looking ahead to the team news for Manchester City and defender Eric Garcia will miss the game having suffered what looked like a serious injury on Wednesday night. Every other player is available and Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane will both be hoping to stop the match.
Burnley are still without striker Ashley Barnes who is not expected to be back in action until the end of the month. Chris Wood and Johann Berg Gudmundsson are both doubtful but may make the substitutes bench.
C'est pas très gentil ça... @benmendy23 👀😅 🔵 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/UGWPPnYSt0— Manchester City (@ManCityFra) June 18, 2020
C'est pas très gentil ça... @benmendy23 👀😅 🔵 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/UGWPPnYSt0
Burnley were in good form before the pause in the season but they have a poor record against Manchester City. Pep Guardiola will want his team to continue winning in style until the end of the campaign and they should come out on top in this one although they may concede a goal.