Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
Burnley are right on the heels of the automatic promotion spots, and with a key clash elsewhere between top-six rivals, they’ll be hoping to capitalise. However, they face a stern challenge of their own this round — in-form Bristol City.
Burnley
Just two points separate Burnley from the top two — Leeds United and Sheffield United. If Sheffield drop points against Coventry City, a win here could see Burnley move into second place for the first time since Matchday 26. The key to their promotion push has been a rock-solid defence marshalled by James Trafford. The Manchester City academy graduate is the most valuable keeper in the division (€18m) and arguably its standout performer. Burnley have conceded just 11 goals in 37 matches — a staggering record — and have kept clean sheets in 12 of their last 14 games.
Bristol City
Bristol City aren’t among the league’s leakiest, but with the eighth-best defensive record and 1.1 goals conceded per game, they can’t quite match Burnley’s watertight back line. That said, they have still managed to win five of their last ten league matches — despite conceding in eight of them — and currently sit seventh, just outside the play-off places. They’ll be hoping for a statement result to boost their promotion hopes.
Burnley vs Bristol City Prediction
Burnley took the reverse fixture 1:0 in Bristol and remain unbeaten at Turf Moor this season — 10 wins and 9 draws. They have turned their home ground into a fortress, and they’ll be confident of extending that run.
