Mansion Sports – The Premier League delivers another high-profile showdown this weekend as Manchester City host Burnley at the Etihad Stadium.

The match is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 15:00 local time, and will serve as an important test for two clubs facing very different circumstances.

City are attempting to recover from a sluggish start to the season, while Burnley are fighting to avoid slipping further toward the relegation zone.

Manchester City’s Current Situation

Manchester City approach the contest on the back of a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup, a result that secured their place in the fourth round for the 12th time in 13 seasons.

Pep Guardiola used the occasion to hand opportunities to eight academy players, including Reigan and Jaden Heskey, sons of former England striker Emile Heskey. Goals from Phil Foden and Savinho sealed the victory.

Despite this success, Guardiola knows that the Premier League remains the priority. City have collected only seven points from their first five fixtures — their worst league start since the 2006/07 season.

Given the intensifying competition at the top, the fixture against Burnley represents a crucial opportunity to get their campaign back on track.

The statistics are firmly in City’s favor. They have won 22 of their last 24 matches against newly promoted sides in the Premier League.

Against Burnley specifically, City hold an extraordinary record of 13 consecutive victories across all competitions, with an aggregate score of 46-2. 

Only against Fulham, Watford, Bournemouth, and West Brom have they enjoyed longer winning streaks.

Erling Haaland remains central to their attack, having been directly involved in 67% of City’s league goals this season. His clinical finishing continues to be their most potent weapon.

Burnley’s Struggles Ahead of the Match

In stark contrast, Burnley arrive at the Etihad after a disappointing 1-2 defeat to Cardiff City in the EFL Cup, marking a second straight early exit from the competition.

Manager Scott Parker admitted frustration at his side’s performance, which he described as falling short of expectations.

Burnley are winless in their last four matches across all competitions, including a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest in their most recent Premier League outing.

Currently sitting 16th in the table with only four points, they remain just one point clear of the relegation zone.

Their record away to Manchester City is particularly grim. Burnley have never won in 19 visits to the Etihad since 1963, suffering seven consecutive league defeats there while conceding 25 goals.

This season, the Clarets have already faced 95 shots, 25 of which were on target, and they hold the highest expected goals against (xGA) tally in the division at 10.5. These figures highlight the immense challenge that awaits them.

Predicted Lineups for Burnley vs Manchester City 2025

Manchester City (4-1-4-1)

• Goalkeeper: Donnarumma
• Defenders: Lewis, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly
• Defensive Midfielder: Rodri
• Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Tijjani Reijnders, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku
• Forward: Erling Haaland
• Manager: Pep Guardiola

Guardiola will be without five injured players: Abdukodir Khusanov (ankle), Omar Marmoush (knee), Rayan Cherki (thigh), Rayan Aït-Nouri (undisclosed), and Mateo Kovacic (Achilles).

There were initial concerns over Haaland’s availability due to a back issue sustained against Arsenal, but Guardiola remains optimistic the striker will start. 

Having scored six of City’s nine Premier League goals so far, his influence is expected to be decisive.

After heavy rotation in the EFL Cup, Guardiola is expected to restore his strongest lineup. Donnarumma should return in goal, Dias and Gvardiol will anchor the defense, while Rodri resumes his vital holding midfield role. 

Creativity from Silva and Foden, combined with Doku’s pace and Haaland’s presence, should provide City with attacking variety.

Burnley (5-4-1)

• Goalkeeper: Dubravka
• Defenders: Walker, Laurent, Ekdal, Esteve, Hartman
• Midfielders: Tchaouna, Cullen, Ugochukwu, Anthony
• Forward: Foster
• Manager: Scott Parker

Burnley, too, are dealing with injury concerns. Jordan Beyer (thigh), Connor Roberts (knee), and Zeki Amdouni (knee) remain unavailable, while Jacob Bruun Larsen is doubtful with a minor knock

Lesley Ugochukwu returns from suspension and is likely to start alongside Josh Cullen in midfield.

Parker is expected to deploy a defensive five-man backline in an effort to contain City’s attacking power. 

Josh Laurent may feature as a center-back alongside Hjalmar Ekdal and Maxime Esteve. Former City defender Kyle Walker, who joined Burnley in the summer after a decorated spell at the Etihad, is set to start at right-back against his former club. Lyle Foster remains the lone striker tasked with leading the line.

Final Thoughts and Match Outlook

This clash at the Etihad perfectly illustrates the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs. Manchester City, with their dominance over Burnley in head-to-head meetings, aim to correct their early-season stumbles, while Burnley face the daunting challenge of halting a losing streak that stretches back decades.

With Guardiola’s side boasting superior quality and a historically lopsided record, City are heavily favored to claim victory.

Yet the question lingers: can Burnley defy the odds and deliver a stunning upset, or will City extend Burnley’s misery at the Etihad? The answer will unfold under the Manchester sky this Saturday afternoon.