Friday marks the start of the 2023–24 Premier League season, with newly promoted Burnley hosting reigning champions Manchester City at Turf Moor.
Last season, Pep Guardiola’s team won the Premier League for a record third time in a row, giving them five out of the following six championships.
Burnley immediately returned to the Premier League after being demoted in 2021–2022, setting several records on the way.
The Clarets only lost three of their 46 Championship games last year, compiling 29 victories and 14 ties in the process. They thereby amassed a stunning 101 points.
Burnley also had the best offensive and defensive records in the division, scoring 87 goals and allowing only 35, respectively.
Only one of their four exhibition games ended in victory for Vincent Kompany’s team, which also suffered two losses.
After leading Manchester City to a record-breaking Championship season, Kompany will undoubtedly be ready to avenge his old team.
As for Manchester City, they enter the match on Friday after losing to Arsenal in the Community Shield on penalties.
Leandro Trossard’s rebounded equaliser in the 101st minute forced a penalty shootout after Cole Palmer’s goal in the 77th minute looked to have given City the victory.
Last season, though, Guardiola’s team grabbed the Premier League championship away from Arsenal by winning 12 of their last 14 games while the Gunners struggled.
After winning the Champions League, Man City defeated Yokohama F. Marinos and Bayern Munich in friendly matches before losing to Atletico Madrid to finish preseason.
Last year, Manchester City defeated Burnley 6-0 in their FA Cup matchup. Man City has thus far defeated Burnley in each of their previous 11 encounters, scoring 40 goals while only giving up one.
Team news: After moving to Turf Moor from Manchester City earlier this summer, goalie James Trafford might make his league debut for Burnley.
Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez are headed in the opposite direction, while Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol have been recruited by Manchester City.
TV Channel to air first EPL match of 2023/2024 season in Kenya
- GOTV
- DSTV