Premier League 25/26: Manchester City vs Burnley Match Preview, Prediction, Live Score & Lineups

After a shaky start that leaves them uncharacteristically in ninth place (2W-1D-2L), Manchester City desperately need a convincing win to kickstart their title defense. They welcome newly promoted Burnley (16th) to the Etihad. While Burnley have shown defensive resolve in patches, they face a historically daunting task, trying to end City’s crushing 13-match winning streak against them.

Kick Off Time

Competition - Round: Premier League - Matchweek 6

Kick-off (GMT): 14:00, Saturday, 27 September 2025

Stadium, Location; Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England

Referee: Robert Jones

VAR: Paul Howard

Match Facts, Head-to-Head & Key Numbers

Head-to-Head Dominance: Manchester City have won the last 13 consecutive meetings with Burnley in all competitions.

Goal Difference: In their last 13 encounters, City have scored an astonishing 46 goals while only conceding two to the Clarets.

Recent League Form: City's Premier League form has been inconsistent (W-L-L-W-D), suggesting some vulnerability, while Burnley are struggling for wins (L-W-L-L-D).

The Haaland Factor: Star striker Erling Haaland is fit and available, having scored a staggering 67% of City's league goals this season (6 out of 9).

Attacking Threat (Burnley): Burnley ranks near the bottom of the league in attacking metrics, with an expected goals (xG) figure of just 4.12 after five matches.

Defensive Frailty (Burnley): Burnley's expected goals against (xGA) is the highest in the division, indicating significant defensive issues against top teams.

Match Prediction

While Manchester City's overall start to the season has been slightly labored, the return of a fit Erling Haaland against a historically weak opponent at home should prove too much. Burnley, managed by Scott Parker, will likely try to absorb pressure with a deep, compact defensive block, hoping to frustrate the hosts and exploit the pace of Jaidon Anthony on the counter-attack. However, City's quality in wide areas (Foden, Doku, Savinho) combined with Haaland's clinical finishing means the breakthrough is almost inevitable. It's tough to see Burnley keeping a clean sheet.

Prediction: Manchester City 3 - 1 Burnley