Price won the event in 2021 but did so with no fans present due to the Coronavirus pandemic. He wants to “do it properly” in 2023 with his first test coming tomorrow against either Connor Scutt or Krzysztof Kciuk.
“This is what we play all year for. We all want to win titles, but this is the main one,” he told the PA news agency.
“It’s a big tournament, everyone is looking forward to it, no-one wants to go out before Christmas so it is about getting that first round under your belt.
“Winning it behind closed doors, there was no atmosphere, lifting the trophy with no-one there, no friends, family or loved ones.
“Taking the trophy home and it sitting on the kitchen table for six months doesn’t really do it justice. It would be nice to win it again and be able to do it properly. It is something I want to do.”
Order of Play (from 1900 UK time)
Mario Vandenbogaerde v Thibault Tricole (round one)
Gian van Veen v Man Lok Leung (round one)
Martin Lukeman v Haupai Puha (round one)
Gerwyn Price v Scutt/Kciuk (round two)
How to watch
The PDC World Championship is being screened on Sky Sports in the UK. You can watch the action on day four from 1900 on Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Main Event.
Predictions
Price seems like a man on a mission and it seems inconceivable the sport’s ultimate competitor will go home early. Expect a routine win for the fiery world number five.
Elsewhere, Vandenbogaerde, Van Veen and Lukeman should also progress through to round two.
After levelling the rain-impacted T20I series against South Africa on Thursday, India return to the 50-over format for the first time since their heartbreaking World Cup final defeat to Australia on Sunday, taking on the Proteas in the first of three One-Day Internationals in the build-up to Christmas.
India will, of course, have a new captain here with KL Rahul back in the side to take charge in the absence of Rohit Sharma.
Rahul was part of the India team which crushed South Africa for a 243-run win in the World Cup’s group stage last month, though he will expect a much tougher test here, with the tourists’ side certain to look very different to that which made the tournament’s final on home soil.
South Africa were bowled out for just 83 in that rout in Kolkata, and things didn’t go much better for the Proteas across 20 overs on Thursday as they scored just 95 in another demolition job.
Aiden Markram’s side will be desperate to bounce back from their semi-final exit at the World Cup, and they do have recent experience of overcoming India in this format, whitewashing the tourists on their last ODI tour back in January 2022.
With key faces missing for both teams, it promises to be an intriguing series, with both sets of fans simply praying the rain holds off after wreaking havoc on the 20-over contests.
INDIA LEVEL THE SERIES
Not to be for the Proteas as India levelled the series at 1-1 🇿🇦🇮🇳
Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje are among the notable South African absentees for these ODI contests, with uncapped fast bowlers Nandre Burger, Mihlali Mpongwana and Lizaad Williams all making the cut.
Suryakumar Yadav, who scored a century as skipper in the third T20I on Thursday, is not part of the tourists’ 16-member ODI squad, alongside the likes of Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Shubman Gill. Rinku Singh, Tamil Nadu and youngster Sai Sudharsan have been handed maiden ODI call-ups for the series.
With Rohit skipping the limited-overs tour ahead of the first Test beginning on Boxing Day, Rahul only has Ruturaj Gaikwad to call upon as a specialist opener, so Sudharsan will be looking to push Sanju Samson to start alongside him.
Full ODI Squads
South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen, Kyle Verreynne, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams, Ottniel Baartman, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana.
India: KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar, Sai Sudharsan, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan, Deepak Chahar, Mukesh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh.
The ODI series will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket in the United Kingdom. The opener is due to get under way at 8:00 UK time on Sunday, with TV coverage beginning at 7:30.
Prediction
It will be a young India side which takes to the field in Johannesburg, but the tourists should be buoyed by Thursday’s impressive T20I performance and have plenty of players looking to stake a claim in the absence of more seasoned pros.
Expect a far closer match than the one we saw when the teams last met in a 50-over contest at the World Cup, but we give the tourists the edge for this one.
Tournament favourite Luke Humphries opens his challenge at the PDC World Darts Championship on Sunday evening against either Lee Evans or Sandro Eric Sosing.
It has been a remarkable few months for Leeds United fan Humphries with wins at the Grand Slam of Darts, the World Grand Prix and the Players Championship Finals.
He is as short as 3/1 with some bookies to continue his dominance at Alexandra Palace but the tag of favourite also adds pressure for ‘Cool Hand Luke’.
He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Obviously it does put pressure on me, but I relish the challenge. I’ve dealt with that pressure on my shoulders over the last couple of months. The pressure will be more than ever at the World Championships, but I will just focus on my own game.”
WOW! what a feeling! @OFFICIALPDC World Grand Prix champion!!! 🤩🏆 what an incredible way for me to win my first major title, im absolutely over the moon with how well I played last night in what was a great final with gerwyn! thanks to my family, friends, fans and sponsors ❤️ PIC.TWITTER.COM/VCLBAFIQ4W
Humphries follows another crowd favourite on to the stage, Fallon Sherrock.
Sherrock stole the headlines in 2019 when she beat Ted Evetts and Mensur Suljovic to become the first female winner at the PDC worlds and reach the third round.
Two subsequent visits have not yielded another win but she is confident of making her mark in 2023, starting against Jermaine Wattimena.
She told the PA news agency: “I feel like I need to prove why I am coming back.
“I know I have got the game and every time I have been so close, the scoreline might not have come out the way I thought the game went.
“It has always been so close. I feel like the more games I have played it makes me even stronger every time I go back. It is going to happen again, I don’t know when, but I am going to win again and hopefully, it is this year.”
Order of Play
Afternoon Session (from 1230 UK time)
Ricky Evans v Simon Adams (round one)
Jim Williams v Norman Madhoo (round one)
Matt Campbell v Lourence Ilagan (round one)
Joe Cullen v Van Dongen/Penhall (round two)
Evening Session (from 1900 UK time)
Dylan Slevin v Florian Hempel (round one)
Niels Zonneveld v Darren Webster (round one)
Jermaine Wattimena v Fallon Sherrock (round one)
Luke Humphries v L Evans/Eric Sosing (round two)
How to watch
The PDC World Championship is being screened on Sky Sports in the UK. You can watch the afternoon session from day three on Sky Sports Arena at 1230. The evening session is on Sky Sports Arena at 1900 and Sky Sports Main Event at 1930.
Predictions
Given his form this year, expect Humphries to cruise into round three.
Sherrock may find it tough going, however. Her opponent, Wattimena, is a consistent performer at Alexandra Palace having reached the last 32 in 2018, 2019 and 2021. Unfortunately for Sherrock, she is facing an early exit once again.
Elsewhere, expect wins from Joe Cullen, Ricky Evans, Jim Williams and Niels Zonneveld.
Manchester’s Ben Wild Studios has announced two new client wins – the Premier League and Seren Kids.
The addition of the globally renowned brands is the latest in Ben Wild Studios’ expanding portfolio which already boasts impressive names including CBBC, New Balance and Amazon Prime.
Chief doodler and creative director, Ben Wild from Sale, said: “From launching our own video division earlier this year, we have been able to showcase our ability and expertise working on some incredible projects which has resulted in us landing two amazing new clients.”
As part of its ongoing growth, Ben Wild Studios has announced a strategic promotion within its leadership ranks with Cisa Fowler being named as the new technical lead.
Ben added: “We’re seeing such demand all over the world where are team are required to travel across the globe that it makes sense to increase the support within our UK base to oversee all operations. We pride ourselves on offering the highest standard of work so to have Cisa provide this strategic support is a real asset for Ben Wild Studios.
“Cisa has consistently stepped up over the last few months, not only supporting me with the day-to-day operational running of Ben Wild Studios but also delivering fantastic work across our social channels and focusing on new business generation. Cisa is a key part of the Ben Wild Studios team, and this new position is really deserved.”
Following Ben Wild Studios’ continued success throughout 2023, the management board has awarded a 10 per cent pay rise to all staff.
Ben added: “It’s really important for me that my team feel valued because without their amazing work and support, I wouldn’t have been able to expand the business as rapidly as I have. I feel really privileged to have such a great team and to be able to reward their efforts in this way.”
Planning a successful conference is more than just organising an event; it’s creating an experience. Each decision, from selecting a venue to engaging speakers, contributes to the event’s success. Yet, challenges like budget limitations and technical issues are common. This article will discuss effective strategies for overcoming these obstacles, ensuring your conference not only meets but exceeds expectations.
Do’s For Conference Planning
Conference planning intertwines strategic choices and creative solutions. It is about creating a framework that ensures every aspect of the event aligns seamlessly.
1. Detailed Planning And Organisation
Effective conference planning, a key focus at Veo Events, requires meticulous attention to every aspect, including logistics, content, and participant engagement. This involves establishing a clear timeline, setting specific goals for each session, and ensuring every team member understands their role. Additionally, contingency planning for unexpected issues is vital, as is a feedback mechanism to refine future events.
2. Selecting The Right Venue
The choice of venue significantly impacts the attendee experience. The venue’s suitability extends beyond just its size and location, encompassing factors like atmosphere, sound quality, accessibility, and technological support.
Consider the venue’s reputation, past event successes, and its alignment with your event’s theme and values. Evaluate the flexibility of the space for different types of sessions and activities.
3. Engaging Content And Speakers
Selecting content and speakers is crucial for your conference’s appeal and impact. Aim for a program that is not only educational but also engaging. Research to understand what topics are currently relevant and intriguing in your field.
When choosing speakers, look for those who are not just knowledgeable but also have a compelling way of presenting. Incorporating a mix of presentation styles, such as interactive workshops or panel discussions, can add variety and keep the audience engaged.
4. Leveraging Technology
Technology can greatly enhance the conference experience. From event apps that facilitate networking and session planning to advanced audio-visual (AV) setups for presentations, the right technology can make your event more interactive and accessible. Consider live streaming options for remote attendees, using social media for real-time engagement, and gathering data analytics for post-event insights.
5. Networking Opportunities
Conferences are not just about the content, but also about the connections made. Facilitating networking involves creating spaces and opportunities for attendees to interact both formally and informally. This could include networking breaks, social events, and using technology like networking apps. Tailoring these opportunities to your audience’s professional interests can enhance the value of your event.
By expanding on these key aspects, you can develop a comprehensive approach to conference planning that addresses various needs and enhances the overall experience.
Don’ts For Conference Planning
In the complex world of conference planning, it is crucial to recognise potential setbacks. Avoiding these can significantly enhance the event’s success.
1. Overlooking Attendee Comfort
Comfort extends beyond physical aspects to include clear signage, efficient registration processes, and attentive customer service. Providing a variety of seating options and ensuring all venues are accessible to people with disabilities is crucial. Also, consider the overall sensory experience, like ambient lighting and noise levels.
2. Neglecting Budget Management
Detailed budgeting involves categorising expenses, tracking spending in real-time, and having a buffer for unforeseen costs. Use financial management tools for accuracy. Regularly update stakeholders on budget status to maintain transparency and trust.
3. Ignoring Feedback And Follow-Up
Feedback collection should be immediate and accessible, using digital platforms for efficiency. Analysing this data provides insights into attendee satisfaction and areas for improvement. Follow-up communication with attendees and stakeholders after the event strengthens relationships and builds a foundation for future events.
4. Underestimating Staffing Needs
Staffing goes beyond numbers; it is about having the right skill sets. Include personnel for security, first aid, and customer service. Train staff thoroughly on event specifics and emergency procedures. Consider volunteer staff for additional support.
5. Failing To Have A Backup Plan
Contingency planning covers various scenarios like speaker cancellations or technical failures. Have a list of backup suppliers and a clear chain of command for decision-making in emergencies. Regularly review and update these plans.
By addressing these areas, conference planners can significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of their events.
In Conclusion
The success of a conference is shaped by diligent planning and the ability to anticipate challenges. This guide has provided key strategies to effectively organise and execute a conference. Implementing these approaches will not only enhance the experience for attendees but also solidify the event’s success. As you apply these principles, your conference planning efforts are set to yield fruitful results.
Strip away the noise and the two teams’ league form is not that dissimilar. Manchester United have taken 12 points from their last six games, Liverpool 14.
Should we expect a close game at Anfield between two expensively assembled squads vying for north west bragging rights?
Possibly not as the noise contains context. United go into the weekend on the back of a woeful Champions League performance against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford which brought a 1-0 defeat and an early exit from European competition. Chuck into the mix the ongoing uncertainty over Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in the club – and the potential ramifications for coach Erik ten Hag – rumours of dressing room dissatisfaction, the lack of a settled line-up with big-name players out of form, and you quickly come to the conclusion that the recent points tally is masking a multitude of issues.
Last Saturday’s 3-0 hammering by Bournemouth was supposed to provoke a midweek reaction against Bayern but United’s weak underbelly was once again exposed.
And if there is one venue at which United will feel vulnerable it is Anfield. It will be raucous and inhospitable, the type of place that players can go under.
It happened in March when Liverpool simply overpowered United, the match ending 7-0 to the home side.
The margin of victory was a one-off, a fluke, something that is unlikely to be repeated. However, that’s not to say United won’t be on the end of a good hiding unless they can find some backbone against a Liverpool side in good form. Discounting the Europa League defeat at Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday – a match in which Jurgen Klopp fielded his youngsters with qualification already secured – Liverpool have lost once in 16 games in all competitions.
They go into the weekend top of the table and there is nothing the red half of Merseyside would like more than to inflict more pain on their Manchester counterparts.
♠️ The boss is keeping his cards close to his chest on the captaincy decision for Sunday… #MUFC || #PL
Darwin Nunez seems set to start for Liverpool with Cody Gakpo ineffective as one of the few senior players that played in Belgium last night. Jarell Quansah has impressed at centre-half in the last two games but it may be Klopp turns to one of his more experienced defenders against United. There’s also a place up for grabs in midfield due to Alexis Mac Allister’s injury. Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo have struggled for consistent form but it may be the former’s greater physicality gets him the shirt.
There was mixed news for Manchester United when Ten Hag spoke at his pre-match press conference. Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial are not available but Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford are fit to play. Captain Bruno Fernandes is suspended while the visitors are also without the injured Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen.
Jurgen Klopp on last season’s win for his side
“The 7-0 we knew on the day was a freakish result that happens once in life pretty much.
“And if it helps anybody for the next game, it’s the team who lost 7-0 and not the team who won 7-0, that’s another thing. If you take it all out of consideration then we just play a football game against the rival, the historical rival, of Liverpool FC, at home at Anfield.
“That itself must make it a special game and that’s what I want to see from us: a special game. Really understand the situation and give your all – that’s all I need.”
Erik ten Hag on last season’s defeat
“Everyone is highly motivated when you go to Anfield, it’s a great place to go. You know it’s going to be tough but every team, every top footballer, wants that challenge so have to look forward to it.
“We take that [the 7-0] defeat in our memory but you have to learn from it and on Sunday we can prove we have.”
When and how to watch
The match takes place at Anfield with a 1630 (UK time) kick off. It can be watched on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League from 1600 as part of Super Sunday.
Prediction
It’s impossible to look past a Liverpool win. The question may be by how many?
If Liverpool score early, it could be a very long afternoon for Ten Hag and his players. On the flip side, this is the perfect opportunity for United to answer their critics. If the players see it as a no-lose situation it may just bring rewards.
Who am I kidding? Liverpool to win by at least two goals.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes last season’s “freakish” 7-0 defeat of Manchester United is likely to act as a spur for Sunday’s opponents.
United return to Anfield at the weekend for the first time since their annihilation in March, and with an injury-hit squad seemingly in disarray following last Saturday’s 3-0 beating by Bournemouth and a midweek European exit.
Liverpool, in contrast, go into the weekend on top of the table having won six and drawn three of their last nine league games.
It all points to another disappointing afternoon for Erik ten Hag but Klopp was quick to point out United will be desperate to right the wrongs of March’s horror show.
He said: “The 7-0 we knew on the day was a freakish result that happens once in life pretty much.
“And if it helps anybody for the next game, it’s the team who lost 7-0 and not the team who won 7-0, that’s another thing. If you take it all out of consideration then we just play a football game against the rival, the historical rival, of Liverpool FC, at home at Anfield.
“That itself must make it a special game and that’s what I want to see from us: a special game. Really understand the situation and give your all – that’s all I need.”
The boss looks ahead to Sunday’s return to Anfield for #LIVMUN 🗣️
Click to watch Jürgen Klopp’s pre-Manchester United press conference in full ⤵️
Liverpool may be top but Klopp is not getting carried away at this point of the season.
He added: “I know when in early December you are top of the table people start thinking about different things; we obviously don’t. I’m at least too long in the business that it would mean anything to me.
“It’s better than being 18th or 20th but it’s still just a position for the moment and we have to keep working extremely hard and that is so difficult when you don’t have real time for recovery, but you have to do it anyway.”
Erik ten Hag has no intention of showing his players the video nasty of last season’s hammering at Liverpool – and insists Manchester United can spring a surprise this weekend.
United lost 7-0 at Anfield in March on a chastening afternoon for Ten Hag and the club’s supporters.
Their form since has been underwhelming with persistent rumours surrounding the Dutchman’s future amid reports of dressing room dissatisfaction.
Ten Hag, however, was putting on a brave face today, aiming to end a week that has seen a home thumping by Bournemouth and a European exit following a defeat to Bayern Munich, on a high.
Asked if he will make his players watch a repeat of their last trip to Anfield, he said: “No, I don’t think it’s the right thing to do.
“It is the past. What we can change is the future. Sunday is a new day.
“It was a bad experience but you start again. Last season we played very decent in the first half but got hammered just after half-time and we collapsed.
“It can’t happen but that was last year, it was a different team with different players. We don’t want to ignore it but we go there and will be confident of fighting from the start to the end. We go there to win.”
United’s hopes of toppling their arch rivals is not helped by an injury list that has been added to by Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial, both of whom are not fit for the weekend.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is suspended but Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford are available.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool head into the weekend at the top of the table and in irresistible form but Ten Hag remains confident in his players’ ability.
He added: “Everyone is highly motivated when you go to Anfield, it’s a great place to go. You know it’s going to be tough but every team, every top footballer, wants that challenge so you have to look forward to it.
“We take that [the 7-0] defeat in our memory but you have to learn from it and on Sunday we can prove we have.”
There have been reports this week that Jim Ratcliffe, who is poised to finally complete his 25 per cent purchase of the club, will target former Chelsea boss Graham Potter and dispense with Ten Hag.
Asked if he felt supported by the club, Ten Hag said: “I feel that – they tell me – and that’s fine but I am focused on the process to make this team play better, making the individuals better, that’s my concern.
“I am here to win. If you play good then good is not good enough. We are inconsistent so we have to work to make the team play at a higher level for longer periods.”
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has called on Jack Grealish to take the “next step” and add regular goals and assists to his game after netting in back-to-back Premier League matches.
Grealish scored his first goal of the season as City played out a dramatic 3-3 draw with Tottenham in early December, before netting the winner in a 2-1 victory over Luton Town last Sunday.
The former Aston Villa man has yet to score more than six goals in a season for City since his 2021 arrival, netting five times in 50 appearances as they won the treble last campaign.
With leading goalscorer Erling Haaland sidelined by a foot injury, Grealish will likely join Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden in a fluid City frontline when Crystal Palace visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, and Guardiola is looking for him to kick on.
“Jack has to demand for himself to score goals, win games, make assists,” Guardiola said. “There are other qualities he has; keeping the ball and making extra passes, but the next step is that.
“In the last two games he scored goals. He started a little bit late and many things happened with injuries. Hopefully he can get that rhythm as quickly as possible because we need him.”
PEP 💬 He [Jack Grealish] is important. Jack has to demand of himself to score, make assists, and win games. We know the quality he has to keep the ball and give an extra pass. In the last two games he scored and he started a little late, many things happened… Hopefully, he can… PIC.TWITTER.COM/3F3XW3VUXV
Grealish has predominantly played from the left since joining City in a £100million deal two years ago, but Guardiola believes the 28-year-old has the flexibility to occupy other roles.
Asked if Grealish had worked on perfecting other positions, Guardiola said: “We don’t have time to work! Yesterday was recovery and today its pre-match. We don’t have time.
“Sometimes players understand without training sessions, sometimes players do it in 15 or 20 minutes. Jack is such a smart player and he would get it immediately.
“The good players can play in different positions, can play through the middle. He’s a typical number 10, I would say, behind the striker.
“But at Aston Villa he played on the wing, and here as well. He can play different positions, of course.
“At the beginning of the season when he first arrived, I remember against Watford he was the false nine and he felt comfortable, so he can play in different positions, yeah.”
This season’s Premier League title race is set to be the most absorbing in many years, and champions Manchester City find themselves trailing Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa as we approach the festive period, sitting four points adrift of the summit ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.
Pep Guardiola’s treble winners will jet off to Saudi Arabia to take part in the FIFA Club World Cup next week, so Saturday’s home clash with Crystal Palace represents their last chance to put points on the board before Christmas.
City ended a four-game winless run in league action with a comeback victory over Luton Town last Sunday, with Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish on target after Elijah Adebayo nodded the Hatters ahead. They then turned their attentions to Europe in midweek, making it six wins from six games in the UEFA Champions League group stage by overcoming Red Star Belgrade 3-2 in Serbia.
With top spot in Group G secured with a match to spare, Guardiola was able to rest key players including Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Rodri and Julian Alvarez on Wednesday, so City’s stars should be fresh for Saturday’s game at the Etihad Stadium.
Visitors Palace are winless in five Premier League games (one draw, four defeats) and in danger of being dragged into the relegation dogfight, with Roy Hodgson coming under further pressure after last week’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Selhurst Park.
The Eagles were on the wrong end of a controversial decision in that game as Jordan Ayew was sent off after receiving two contentious yellow cards, causing their former England boss to say he has grown “disillusioned” with modern football. Can Palace revive his love of the sport by pulling off an upset at the home of the champions?
City have a few selection dilemmas for this one, not least concerning the Premier League’s leading goalscorer Erling Haaland, who has missed their last two matches with a foot injury.
The Norwegian is unlikely to feature, and it may be a similar story for Jeremy Doku after he sustained a muscle problem. Kevin De Bruyne is City’s other big-name absentee, and while he was named in their squad for the Club World Cup, he is not expected to return until the end of December at the earliest.
Palace, meanwhile, have something of an injury crisis on their hands. While Ayew will serve a one-match ban, Cheick Doucoure, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Rob Holding, Dean Henderson and Eberechi Eze are sidelined, while Sam Johnstone, Odsonne Edouard and Jefferson Lerma are doubtful after being withdrawn with knocks against Liverpool.
This is what Pep Guardiola had to say when asked if Erling Haaland will feature against Crystal Palace tomorrow…
Guardiola on Palace’s track record of causing City problems:
“It has always been a tough game. How they defend is brilliant, from set-pieces they are dangerous. It’s a tough game, it always has been since I’ve been here. It’s never easy against Roy Hodgson.”
On Hodgson’s long managerial career:
“It’s absolutely phenomenal, to have the fire and the passion inside to still be there, and his teams are very good.
“They played incredibly well against Liverpool, and were unfortunate to have a player sent off – 10 against 11 against Liverpool is almost impossible, 11 versus 11, I don’t know what would have happened.”
When and how to watch
Saturday’s game will kick off at the traditional local time of 15:00 at the Etihad, and won’t be screened live in the United Kingdom.
Prediction
Palace have taken just five points from their last nine Premier League games, with only Burnley (four) collecting fewer during that time. They have enjoyed success at the Etihad in the past, winning there in December 2018 and October 2021, but they look unlikely to cause City too many problems this time around.
Even with Haaland likely to miss out, expect a comfortable win for the champions with Alvarez, Silva and Grealish starring as they sign off for the Club World Cup in style.