Premier League Betting - Manchester City vs. Burnley

Considering the spending spree Manchester City indulged in over the summer to build a team that has depth and top four potential, if not title quality, four straight draws in Premier League action cannot be considered a result in tune to their lofty expectations. On the back of the four draws to teams like Aston Villa, Wigan Athletic, Fulham and Birmingham City, the Citizens slipped in the form table, currently 13th in the league on form.

They are however where they want to be, fourth in the table. On 19 points, however, their hold on that spot is not firm. They are level on points with Tottenham, a point above Liverpool and Aston Villa and two points clear of Sunderland – all four of which could overhaul them in the table if their underwhelming trend continues and they in turn pick up pace.

Indeed, there is reason for concern for Mark Hughes and his men. They have to win their upcoming fixture. Good news is that they are coming up against Burnley on Saturday. The promoted outfit has not won a single away match, running with a five-match losing streak on the road. If Manchester City do not win this match then there will be all sorts of trouble...

Soccer Betting Line:

Manchester City -1½ -105 -285 3 O Ev U -120 Draw +375
Burnley +1½ -115 +800 3 O Ev U -120 Draw +375

Venue: City of Mcr. Stadium
Match Time: 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time Saturday November 7, 2009

Soccer Betting Verdict: Manchester City have been most convincing at home with three wins and a draw in league matches. The recent run of poor results was mostly on the road. Now that they are back in familiar surroundings, they are expected to turn the cycle around. The bookies favour Man City considerably, tipping them as the -285 favourites to win outright.

Burnley have managed to hold on to middle of the table largely thanks to a solid record at Turf Moor. Away from home, they have been abysmal, coming up blank in five trips. As you might expect, bookies tip them at discouraging odds of +800.

Burnley are looking awful like the ideal club off which Manchester City can bounce back. However, Burnley are full of confidence after a 2:0 win over Hull City at Turf Moor and they will be looking to break the deadlock on the road with a surprise win over Manchester City. They would even be happy with a draw mind (+375 at BetUS Sportsbook).

One has to believe that at some point Burnley will manage to take their first few points on the road. That it is inevitable makes them dodgy opponents and the Citizens shouldn’t underestimate them. This might not be the popular opinion but Law of Averages says it is so. What has been Manchester City’s lackadaisical output recently could cost them. Everyone is expecting Man City to hand a heavy defeat to Burnley – and so they should – but in my opinion, this one has the potential for a surprise outcome.

Soccer Free Picks: Burnley +800 | Over 3 Even