No one could have predicted that Manchester City would become the Premier League’s draw specialists but that is exactly what has happened in the last four games. City boss Mark Hughes will be anxious for the run to end if they are to close the gap on the top four but hopes of a home victory will be high against a Burnley side who has failed to muster a point on the road this season.

Quick Check

Manchester City

  • Emmanuael Adebayor is hoping to return in attack after injury.
  • Kolo Toure is expected to return in defence from a heel problem.
  • City are unbeaten in their last ten meetings against Burnley dating back to 1975.
  • Wayne Bridge and Roque Santa Cruz are both injury doubts.
  • Brazilian star Robinho is unlikely to feature after a two-month lay-off with an ankle problem.
  • Mark Hughes’ side has drawn their last four league games.
  • Striker Carlos Tevez has failed to score in eight of his last nine league matches.
  • City’s clean sheet at Birmingham last weekend was their first in seven games.

Burnley

  • None.
  • Burnley have lost all five of their Premier League away games this season.
  • Burnley have gone eight games without a win on the road.
  • Owen Coyle‘s side has conceded in their last eight matches.
  • The Clarets have not shared a goalless draw in their last 42 encounters.

Expert Advice

Mark Hughes’ star-studded squad have misfired in recent weeks to lose ground on the league leaders and that will have placed extra pressure on City’s big-money signings. The manager will be aware a few of them must start justifying their expensive price tags soon but, on paper, it looks like they couldn’t have chosen too many better opponents. Burnley have struggled to come to terms with life away from Turf Moor and they clearly have big problems at the back, having conceded 17 goals in five away defeats and scoring just twice. It may not be as high-scoring as some home fans hope but Betsson’s price of 1.71 for City to win by two goals looks a sound bet.

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