The hopes for closing in the gap with title leaders Liverpool might be gone, but Manchester City intends to finish the league on a high note. Etihad Stadium will host side Burnley with the match scheduling for Monday with kickoff at 19:00 GMT.
Manchester City began the Premier League restart with a huge 3-0 win over the Gunners in the midweek fixture. The win came at a cost with youngster defender Garcia stretchered off the field after a dangerous head-on collision with Ederson. The severity of the injury is still unknown, with the club tight-lipped.
A positive from the match was that winger Raheem Sterling ended his goalless streak after a mistake from defender David Luiz. Young sensation Phil Foden netted a last-minute goal after a ricochet from Sergio Aguero.
Burnley will start their Premier League return with hopes of a top-six finish. The side is currently10th on the table with 39 points. It will be an uphill battle for Sean Dyche, given his history against the Citizens.
The buildup to the Premier League break for Burnley was impressive without any losses in their past five matches. Their last outing ended in a 1-1 draw against side Tottenham. The tough nature of the team will bring competition against side City.
Manchester City vs. Burnley Head to Head
Both sides have thirteen games between them, with the Citizens taking home nine wins with Burnley with only one win. Here is a look at their previous encounters in the league:
Burnley 1-4 Manchester City
Burnley 0-1 Manchester City
Manchester City 5-0 Clarets
Manchester City 1-1 Burnley
Manchester City 3-0 Clarets
Manchester City 2-1 Burnley
Burnley 1-2 Manchester City
Burnley 1-0 Manchester City
Manchester City Team News
Youngster defender Garcia received a significant injury after a collision with teammate Ederson. A replacement for Pep will be Otamendi, with a lack of defending options for the side. Left-back Zinchenko made a return from injury and sets to battle with Benjamin Mendy for the first team line-up. Sensational talent Leroy Sane made a comeback and started on the bench against Gunners.
Burnley Team News
Contract situations will be giving Sean Dyche sleepless nights with several first-team player’s contracts expiring this month. Veteran goalkeeper Joe Hart, midfielder Aaron Lennon, defender Phil Bardsley, and Jeff Hendrick out of their contracts in June. Short-term deals will be the only solution.
Prediction and Odds
Despite the Champions League ban, the Citizens are not taking their feet off the gas pedal. We expect a high scoring encounter:
Manchester City Win
Goals Over 2.5
First Team to Score Manchester City