Burnley vs Watford: Preview & Prediction

 

Burnley have recently been criticised in the media and the feeling is their time could be up in the Premier League after putting in some impressive shifts especially given their usual budget.

 

Burnley have the same recent record as Brighton where from the last five games they have drawn four of them and lost one, and this form hasn't helped the clubs situation they reside in 18th place. This game could be a legitimate cracker given that the team in 17th place will be their opponents. There is just a 2 point gap but actually Watford are keeping all of the bottom three on their toes as gaps are starting to appear just above them.

 

Burnley haven't scored a goal for their past 3 games and their last match ended 0-0 against West Ham. Given the Hammers form this season that would have been seen as a point earned for Burnley even though they were at home.

 

Watford are in 17th of course and 2 points ahead of the relegation zone. The Hornets have been fairly entertaining under new manager Claudio Ranieri but they come into this game having lost their last four games.  Watford will feel that they haven't had it easy though with having to play Chelsea and Manchester City in succession but they did lose 2-1 against Brentford at the weekend and that would have been a body blow to the club.

 

 

 

Burnley: Dale Stephens could be assessed but currently has a lack of match fitness. Ashley Barnes is out long term with a thigh injury. Maxwell Cornet is only 50/50 for this game after his thigh problems and Connor Roberts is out through illness.

 

Watford: Adam Masina could return and will be assessed. Ismaila Sarr is out long term with his knee. Christian Kabasele is out with a knock.

 

 

 

 

Burnley won this fixture 1-0 the last time the teams played each other in 2020.

 

Burnley have managed to win four of the last six meetings between the sides.

 

There is a 60% chance to see under 2.5 goals.

 

 

 

We expect to see a very close game with few opportunties for both teams. The worry is the tension and pressure could get to both sides who may be happy to walk off with a point each. However even though Watford have been poor this season there is a zip and hope about them under Ranieri and the Italian is going to set up his team to win this game.

 

There is risk involved but we will back the away side to get the at least a point from this encounter, we don't expect the action to really get going until the 2nd half so we will back the market in that one too. The prices should be very open for this game so there will be value to be had also.

 

 

 

Asian handicap (+0.5 Watford) 1.725

 

highest scoring half: 2nd half at 2.05