The Etihad Stadium is set to host a fascinating Premier League encounter on September 27, 2025, as champions Manchester City welcome newly-promoted Burnley. This fixture, often a tale of two contrasting footballing philosophies, carries added intrigue this season. For Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, it’s an opportunity to solidify their position at the top of the table after a slightly inconsistent start to their campaign following significant departures. For Burnley, led by Scott Parker, every point is a battle, as they strive to defy expectations and establish themselves in the top flight after their recent promotion. Can Burnley’s resolute defence withstand City’s attacking might, or will the champions assert their dominance once more? The stakes are high, not just for three points, but for momentum, confidence, and the early narrative of their respective seasons.
Head-to-Head History
The historical record between Manchester City and Burnley paints a stark picture of dominance. Across all competitions, the two clubs have met a total of 112 times. Manchester City hold a considerable advantage, having secured 57 victories compared to Burnley’s 30, with 25 matches ending in a draw.
In the modern Premier League era, City’s ascendancy has been even more pronounced. Since the 1992-93 season, Manchester City have won 14 and drawn three of their 18 league meetings against Burnley, netting 51 goals in total. A remarkable statistic is that City have won by a margin of at least two goals on 11 occasions in this period, also keeping nine clean sheets.
Burnley’s sole Premier League victory against Manchester City dates back to March 2015, a narrow 1-0 triumph at Turf Moor. Manchester City have been particularly dominant in recent times, having won their last 10 top-flight games against the Clarets. Indeed, across the last 10 head-to-head meetings in all competitions, City have emerged victorious every single time. Notable recent results include Manchester City’s emphatic 6-0 win in the FA Cup in March 2023, and a 3-1 Premier League victory at the Etihad in January 2024.
Current Form & Team News
Manchester City
Manchester City’s form leading into this fixture has been strong, with a slight blip. In their last five matches across all competitions, they have recorded three wins, one draw, and one loss. Their recent run includes a 2-0 EFL Cup victory over Huddersfield Town, a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League, and a 2-0 Champions League win over Napoli. Prior to that, they secured a dominant 3-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United but suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brighton.
Team News:
- Erling Haaland: The prolific striker is fit and available for selection, having recovered from a minor back issue and being rested for the midweek EFL Cup tie. His presence will be a significant boost for City’s attack. Haaland has already netted seven goals this season across all competitions.
- Mateo Kovacic: The midfielder might make a return to action, having been sidelined since June after Achilles surgery. However, Guardiola has indicated that his return will be managed cautiously.
- Injuries: City will be without Rayan Ait-Nouri (ankle/muscular issue), Abdukodir Khusanov (ankle), Omar Marmoush (knee), and Rayan Cherki (thigh).
- Standout Players: Beyond Haaland, captain Bernardo Silva and the creative talents of Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku are expected to play key roles.
Burnley
Burnley’s start to life back in the Premier League has been challenging. Their last five competitive matches show one win, one draw, and three losses. This includes a 2-1 EFL Cup loss to Cardiff City, a 1-1 Premier League draw against Nottingham Forest, and a narrow 1-0 Premier League defeat to Liverpool, where they conceded a late penalty after a red card. Before that, they fell to a 3-2 Premier League defeat against Manchester United, but registered a 2-1 EFL Cup win over Derby County.
Team News:
- No Fresh Concerns: Burnley manager Scott Parker has confirmed no new injury concerns heading into the match.
- Jacob Bruun Larsen: The winger, who has been nursing a heel problem, is back in training but the trip to the Etihad might come too soon for a full return to the squad.
- Injuries: Connor Roberts (knee), Jordan Beyer (thigh), and Zeki Amdouni (knee) remain sidelined.
- Lesley Ugochukwu: The midfielder is available again after serving a one-match suspension.
- Notable Return: Former Manchester City defender Kyle Walker is set to face his old club for the first time since his January departure to Burnley.
- Standout Players: Jaidon Anthony, Josh Cullen, and Lyle Foster have been key figures for Burnley this season.
Tactical Preview
Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, are currently in a slight “rebuilding phase” after some high-profile departures. However, their core tactical principles remain. Expect City to start in a nominal 4-3-3 formation, which will fluidly transition into a 3-2-4-1 in possession. This involves one fullback inverting into midfield alongside Rodri to create a central “box” and overwhelm the opposition in the middle of the park. Wide players like Doku and Foden will provide width and drive, while Haaland will aim to pin defensive lines. City has also shown a capacity for tactical flexibility, even adopting a lower-possession approach in tough games. They will likely dominate possession and look to break down Burnley’s organised defence through intricate passing, intelligent movement, and quick transitions.
Burnley, under Scott Parker, are expected to deploy a disciplined and defensively robust strategy. They have shown tactical flexibility in the past, often utilising a 4-2-3-1 or a more defensive 5-2-2-1 formation. Against stronger opposition, as seen in their match against Liverpool, they tend to set up in a compact 5-4-1 defensive block to compress central spaces and force opponents wide. Their possession play often involves low-block circulation and direct long balls, aiming to bypass the midfield. The battle in midfield will be crucial, with Burnley attempting to disrupt City’s rhythm and stifle their creative players. Kyle Walker’s experience in a back-three system could be pivotal for Burnley in their defensive transitions.
Given the match is at the Etihad, Manchester City will have the advantage of home support and familiar surroundings. Unless there are unforeseen weather conditions, the pitch is expected to be in pristine condition, suiting City’s intricate passing game. Travel fatigue is unlikely to be a significant factor for either side in this domestic fixture.
