Championship Preview: Burnley vs Bristol City

Venue: Turf Moor Kick-off: Saturday, 5 September 2026, 15:00 BST

Burnley host Bristol City at Turf Moor this Saturday, desperately seeking their first victory of the 2026–27 EFL Championship campaign. The Clarets have stumbled out of the gate, while the visiting Robins aim to extend their strong recent momentum.

Match Preview

Nicky Hayen’s Burnley enter Gameweek 5 sitting 23rd in the table with just two points. Defense has been the main culprit—conceding 10 goals in four league games. However, a mid-week 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough showed glimpses of resilience as Ugo Raghouber cancels out an early deficit to secure a point.

Bristol City present a stark contrast in trajectory. After an initial sluggish start, Liam Manning’s side have racked up seven points from their last nine available, including a dominant 3-1 victory away at Preston. Midfielder Scott Twine returns to his former home ground in top form, leading the Robins’ scoring charts alongside defender Rob Dickie.

Team News

• Burnley: Josh Laurent is available after completing a one-match ban. New signing Reo Hatate could feature in midfield following his arrival from Celtic, while Hannibal Mejbri and Largie Ramazani push for starting spots. However, the host remain without several first-team regulars including Josh Cullen, Lyle Foster, Enock Agyei, and Jordan Beyer.
• Bristol City: Captain Jason Knight starts in midfield after remaining at the club through the transfer window. Right-back George Tanner returns to the matchday squad after missing the win over Preston, and summer recruit Brian De Keersmaecker is line to feature on the bench. Young full-back Rio Cardines will look to continue his eye-catching form having recorded three assists in as many games.

Key Match Facts

• Burnley are unbeaten in their last six home encounters against Bristol City across all competitions.
• Every league match involving Burnley so far this season has seen both teams score.
• Bristol City boast the joint-highest tally of away goals scored in the Championship so far this season.

Match Prediction

While Burnley have historically dominated this fixture at Turf Moor, their leaky defensive line remains a major structural issue. Bristol City arrive full of confidence and pose a major threat on the counter-attack led by Twine and Cardines. Expect an open, high-tempo clash with goals at both ends, but the visitors look well-positioned to snatch a narrow victory.

Prediction: Burnley 1–2 Bristol City