Burnley vs Manchester City predictions: Premier League tips and odds

Belfast Telegraph

11 August 2023

Our betting expert has three Burnley vs Manchester City tips for the Premier League opener at Turf Moor on Friday (kick-off, 8pm). Scroll down to see the analysis behind his selections.

Burnley vs Manchester City betting tips

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

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Citizens to win entertaining encounter

The Championship winners meet the champions of England and Europe in what promises to be a fascinating opening match of the Premier League season at Turf Moor (kick-off, 8pm).

The match is given some extra spice with former City captain Vincent Kompany in charge of the Clarets. The Belgian has transformed Burnley from one of the most direct sides in the game – as they were under Sean Dyche – into a more possession-based team.

The benefits were clear to see last term as they racked up an impressive 101 points en route to the title and topped the goals for category with 87 while conceding just 35, the fewest in the division.

Kompany has been busy during the summer transfer window and Sander Berge recently became the ninth new arrival, joining the likes of James Trafford and Nathan Redmond in the ranks.

Burnley should give a good account of themselves in front of a raucous home crowd and they will feel optimistic of finding the back of the net against a City side who kept just one clean sheet in their final five away top-flight fixtures of last season.

However, it may just turn out to be a consolation for the hosts as they go up against a City side who completed the treble last season, picking up 11 away victories in the league and scoring 34 goals – record bettered only by Arsenal and Brighton with 35 apiece.

With a wealth of attacking talent at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, this should be a lively match to get the new season under way.

Burnley vs Manchester City tip 1: Man City to win and both teams to score @ 15/8 with Sky Bet

Roberts in for a tricky evening

Despite playing at home, Burnley are expected to see much less of the ball against City, which is likely to increase the amount of defending they will have to do.

With the likes of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva all charging forward, there are bound to be challenges flying in and that could spell trouble for Burnley right-back Connor Roberts.

The Wales defender played 43 Championship matches last season and he picked up seven yellow cards along the way, the fifth-highest number in the Clarets squad.

Given the emotion of this being Burnley’s first game back in the top flight and the potential that players are not quite up to speed, siding with Roberts to go in the book at 7/2 looks a solid shout.

Burnley vs Manchester City tip 2: Connor Roberts to be carded @ 7/2 with Sky Bet

Super Norwegian to fire again

Erling Haaland had a tremendous first season in 2022-23, winning the Golden Boot with a Premier League-record 36 goals and picking up three winner’s medals.

The Norway striker had 60 shots on target in the league last season – only Harry Kane (63) had more – and his proficiency in front of goal is unlikely to diminish in his second campaign.

Of the other players in City’s squad, it may be a slight surprise to learn that midfielder Rodri racked up 40 shots – the fourth-highest in the squad – with 14 of those on target. The Spaniard is no stranger to getting forward and there is every chance he could test the goalkeeper at least once.

Rounding off this bet builder is for there to be eight or more total corners. City were second in corners taken last season, their tally of 238 only bettered by Newcastle (270), and they should feature prominently in this department again.

Burnley also had 183 corners last season, so they had their fair share of chances from this set piece, and eight or more to be seen in total on Monday looks probable.

Burnley vs Manchester City tip 3: Bet builder – Erling Haaland to score any time, Rodri to have 1+ shots on target and total corners 8+ @ 4/1 with Sky Bet

Burnley vs Manchester City odds

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Burnley team news

Burnley are without Michael Obafemi because of a hamstring issue and Sander Berge is in contention for a place in the starting XI but could begin on the bench having only arrived on Wednesday.

Burnley predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Roberts, Beyer, O’Shea, Vitinho; Cork, Cullen; Redmond, Brownhill, Zaroury; Rodriguez.