Burnley

Arsenal V Burnley

Kick-Off: Saturday, 6^th March – 15:00 GMT

Arsenal

League Position: 3rd

Recent Form: LLWWW

While Arsenal achieved what they set out for at the weekend, beating one of their ‘Bogey’ teams in Stoke City, it came at a harsh price as Aaron Ramsey suffered a compound fracture that will not only keep him out of action for the rest of this season but for a large part of the following one as well. It turned out to be a bizarre match come the end but the victory did keep Arsene Wenger’s side in the hunt for that elusive league title, if that’s any consolation for the lengthy loss of one of their brightest prospects.

Without meaning to sound brutal or insensitive, the show must go on as Arsenal’s efforts up till this point would be in vein if they decided to capitulate now after the recent turn of events. The manager and the players have come out and said the rest of the season, whatever the final outcome, is dedicated to the Welshman and that one helluva incentive for Ramsay’s team mates to do the business by winning the Premiership title for his sake.

The Arsenal players dedicated Saturday’s win to the injured Ramsay, and it was some win as well. Arsenal not only came from behind to win but also overcame the mental loss of losing one of their brightest talents in horrific circumstances by putting on a brave show and a valiant shift to record a stunning 3-1 win at The Brittania. To be fair, their performance throughout was staggering as it was a far cry from their previous two efforts at The Brittania where they simply failed to compete with their larger opponents. This time, however, Arsenal were ready for the tough, physical style of Stoke and, for the first time in years, Arsenal shown that fighting spirit, that never-die attitude that seen them win the title back in 2003/2004. 

Arsenal were well deserving of the three points in a contest we thought they would struggle to match their opponents for aggression and hunger when in fact Arsenal displayed far more of both. Now, though, they are presented with the complete opposite in a Burnley side which like to get the ball down to feet much like themselves. It’s also a fixture Arsenal are firm favourites to win and one they should win at a cantor. After all, the Gunners have won two on the spin back at the Emirates Stadium after victories over Liverpool (1-0) and Sunderland (2-0). They did manage to keep a clean sheet in both and were they to do the exact same on Saturday, against what is the poorest travellers in the Premiership, they would equal their longest home run without conceding: Three games.

This really does look a home banker for us, and the odds on both teams justify that. Arsenal have been mighty impressive at home this season against the more inferior opposition, with no team in the bottom half of the table leaving the Emirates with anything to show for their efforts thus far. The only hurdle really is how quick they recover from last weeks unfortunate incident surrounding Aaron Ramsey. The players have spoken about how they wish to dedicate any success they have this season to Ramsay, and while that displays plenty of team spirit, Arsenal need to do their talking on the pitch now, starting with a home fixture with a hapless Burnley.

Burnley

League Position: 19th

Recent Form: LWLLL

Brian Law will be looking for just his second win as Burnley manager when he takes his homesick Clarets to the Emirates Stadium in a fixture they’ll be lucky to leave with any remaining pride still in tact. Their form on the whole is abysmal, while their record on the road is pathetic, so getting anything from this encounter with a fired up Arsenal looks a little far-fetched if not impossible. Still, this is football, an unpredictable sport if we ever did see one, and it’s worth remembering at least that Burnley did hold Arsenal to a 1-1 draw back at Turf Moor.

We could throw all sorts of cliches at you regarding Burnley’s chances this Saturday; a step too far, a mountain to climb, never a chance in a million years – The last one we made up on the spot but that’s how strongly we feel about Burnley and their chances ahead of this trip to London. If they somehow earn a point at the Emirates then I’ll give the first person to write in and mock me a free £10 bet on the house, such is the unlikelihood of Burnley taking anything from this outing.

Burnley have been struggling for a while now so the root of their problems isn’t in their new manager. Even under Owen Coyle, despite a sensational yet surprising start, their form was poor. Coyle left the club at a time when Burnley hadn’t won a league fixture in ten games, while Brian Laws has faired slightly better in at least managing a victory in his eight game tenure at the club. However, they were somewhat fortunate to have picked up that win as their performances, even at home, have been drab and substandard.

Now, though, they’re on a three match losing streak in the league after defeats against Fulham, Aston Villa and Portsmouth. It does get worse mind, at least from an armchair perspective, in that Burnley’s away record this season would make any born and bred Burnley fan want to cry: 0-1-13. On just one occasions this season have Burnley avoided defeat whilst on their travels this season, with even that rare away outcome being over three months ago, with the Clarets now on an eight match losing run away from Turf Moor. The scary thing is Burnley haven’t looked like even picking up a point in their recent away ventures, so like we said earlier, Burnley have no chance whatsoever of attaining any points here, with the objective being not to concede more than ten at the Emirates.

Match Verdict: Arsenal to WIN – 1.17 BlueSquare

Anything other than a comfortable win for the Gunners would leave me in shock. Arsenal are now fired up to win after Ramsay’s injury, plus they’re now hot on the heels of Man Utd and Chelsea for the league crown. Their opponents, however, can’t stop losing away from home and are not enjoying this eight match losing away run of theirs, one which looks inevitable to stretch further with the visit to Arsenal. This really could be four, five, maybe even ten or eleven, such is the gulf in class between the two sides and the significance of the evidence to suggest this will be a one way contest.

Match Odds:

Arsenal – 1.17 BlueSquare

Draw – 9.00 VCbet

Burnley – 23.00 Coral

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Pick: Arsenal 2-0 (Half-Time Correct Score) – 5.20 SportingBet

Burnley V Portsmouth

Saturday, 27^th February – 15:00 GMT

Burnley

League Position: 19th

Recent Form: LLWLL

Possibly a season defining period for Burnley as their upcoming fixtures are all against sides either in and around them or in the bottom half of the table. However, their first task looks the easiest of the lot on paper as they set out to compile Portsmouth’s woes by adding three points to their own cause at Pompey’s expense. Defeat, however, could prove costly as not only would it have been a missed opportunity for The Clarets but it would also allow Portsmouth to narrow the gap on them and leave Burnley stranded in 19^th.

Burnley are this seasons version of Hull City because; after a sensational start, with the highlight being the 1-0 victory at home to Manchester United before a number of home wins, they have gone completely off the boil and have nosedived down the table into relegation territory. Their fall from grace has not only been emphatic but also hard felt as it’s clearly had an adverse effect on the confidence levels of the entire squad. We have the evidence to back this statement up as Burnley have only won one of their last fifteen in the league and have lost a staggering six of their last seven games. All this is a far cry from the form they were enjoying at the very start of the season and why Burnley are serious relegation candidates.

To rub salt in the wound, Burnley were given yet another spanking at the weekend when Aston Villa rolled five past them at Villa Park in a 5-2 defeat for Burnley. That was Burnley’s thirteenth away defeat of the campaign, so they can count themselves lucky they don’t have to travel again this Saturday as they stay put at home, at Turf Moor. It has, though, been a venue where Burnley have been far better in both the performance and results area. It has been the setting where Burnley come out of their shell more, with the players often rising to the occasion in front of a packed home support, often playing on the front foot and with an all out attacking mindset. Their more aggressive manner at home has seen them pick up a creditable twenty-two points out of a possible thirty-six at home, which is a million miles better than their one point from a possible forty-two away from home.

If Burnley are to survive their inaugural season in the Premiership then it will be solely down to their decent form at Turf Moor. However, they still require plenty more points, probably somewhere around the 37 marker, and so Burnley will need to pick up far more points than they’ve been doing of late if they are to have a fighting chance of avoiding the drop. The concern surrounding Burnley, though, is that even results at home are beginning to dry up, with Burnley only managing one win from their last six home fixtures. They were on the winning side in their last home encounter with West Ham, but that was against a Hammers side who hadn’t yet gelled after a number of new signings, whereas Portsmouth, although they aren’t playing particularly well, are working as a team and fighting for their desperate cause, but Pompey could be down and out after their bitter home defeat to Stoke City last Saturday so perhaps a Burnley win should be a formality providing the players don’t get overconfident.

Portsmouth

League Position: 20th

Recent Form: LLLDL 

Portsmouth are a club in ruin and already look destined for the drop, what with a potential 9-point penalty hanging over them. The reports are that the club find themselves in a £70,000,000 debt predicament, one they have no idea how to solve. Their money issues is an unwanted distraction from the main task at hand of avoiding relegation, but, more importantly, it’s piling yet more pressure onto those currently on the front-line at the club, the ones paid to actually get a result each Saturday – The players. Defeat this Saturday for the South coast side, accompanied by a couple more in the following few weeks, and Portsmouth could find themselves dead and buried before the FA even gets started on them.

When you’re down the bottom, at the very pit of the table, everything seems to go against you. That was definitely the case on Saturday as Portsmouth succumbed to their eighteenth defeat of the season when losing 2-1 to Stoke City at Fratton Park. It was a game Portsmouth pressed and pressed, troubling a usually sterdy Stoke defence with their attacks and attempts on goal. However, when Piquionne scored a perfectly legit goal just minutes into the game, only to see his effort ruled out wrongly for off-side, you just knew it wasn’t going to be there day, and that the football Gods certainly weren’t watching over the cash-strapped club. They did, however, take the lead through Piquionne ten minutes before half-time, but Portsmouth threw away their lead, three crucial points the drain and a potential lifeline of a win when some poor marking from a corner led to Roberth Huth heading in an unchallenged equaliser. However, the worst was still yet to come as in the 90^th minute, Salif Diao, slid home to leave the once jubilant Pompey crowd close to tears as the final outcome was yet another defeat.

With myself coming from the South, although I have no direct connection with Portsmouth FC, it was heartbreaking to see such a turnaround at Fratton Park on Saturday as that bitter defeat really could be the nail in the coffin as far as keeping the spirit at the club at a reasonable level. That late blow will have felt like daggers to the heart for Portsmouth and it’s players, to see their valiant efforts go in vein. Losing isn’t unfamiliar with Pompey, so the players won’t have been too disheartened with that part of the game, but the manner in which they lost could have huge implications in that the players might now start feeling sorry for themselves and feel a league win is impossible, no matter how hard they try.

To be honest, it was always going to be a mammoth task lifting Portsmouth out of the relegation zone and into safety as their squad is full of Championship players, with the exception being just a few African contingents and Jamie O’Hara. Pompey just don’t have the players in their squad capable of mounting a serious safety push so their decline was somewhat inevitable. The defeat on Saturday was the straw that broke the camels back and it really would take some exceptional motivational speech from Avram Grant to lift his troops after such a demoralising result in their last fixture.

Match Verdict: Burnley to WIN – 2.25 Bet365

The Portsmouth players were battling on stoutly despite all their money issues, but their recent setback, that of a 2-1 home defeat to Stoke, we feel will have knocked the stuffing out of the players and it’s hard to see them coming back from that. Burnley were given a lesson in how to play the beautiful game on Sunday when losing their thirteenth away game of the season at Aston Villa, but they did still manage to score twice at Villa Park and they did score two goals in their previous home outing in a 2-1 win over West Ham. Burnley’s form at home is what will keep them in the league and so a home fixture with Portsmouth is like gold-dust to them and for their cause.

Match Odds:

Burnley – 2.25 Bet365

Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

Portsmouth – 3.40 Boylesports

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Tip: Burnley/Burnley (HT/FT Betting) – 4.00 StanJames

Aston Villa V Burnley

Saturday, 20^th February – 15:00 GMT

Aston Villa

League Position: 7th

Recent Form: DDWDD

It’s all man the pumps at Villa Park as their draw with Crystal Palace in the FA Cup on Sunday added yet another fixture to their already growing list of priorities. Instead of having the week off after this fixture ti prepare for their Carling Cup final, Villa are instead having to contest a home cup tie just days before with Crystal Palace. With all these important fixtures just around the corner, will Martin O’Neill see this easy on the eye home fixture with a struggling Burnley as the ideal opportunity to hand some of his first team regulars a much needed rest, but, in doing so, could Villa potential damage their hopes of Champions League football for next season.

Martin O’Neill does have a fixture dilemma on his hands, although most managers would say it’s a good dilemma considering they’re still going in both cup competitions and remain well in the hunt for a top four finish. However, with all these big cup games coming in such a short space of time, perhaps O’Neill will have to sacrifice one of those games in order to rest his key players ahead of the most important game thus far, the Carling Cup final which takes place the following Sunday. There is no way in hell that Martin O’Neill can expect his side to play three games in a week, two of which will be gruelling cup encounters, and expect a winning display at the end of it, especially when the last is against Manchester United. Somewhere along the line a game will be risked and we feel it won’t be this Saturday’s fixture with Burnley.

We reckon O’Neill will opt for the Palace game in order to rest a few individuals as Champions League football must be prioritised above everything else. After all, Villa are well in contention for a top four finish but dropping points in games which should be three points bankers, which Saturday’s fixture with Burnley is, is unthinkable. However, while we feel O’Neill will field a very strong side for the game with Burnley, the players themselves could be forgiven for having one eye on a rare Wembley final appearance as Sunday’s Carling Cup showdown with Manchester United looms ever larger. Will signs of complacency, little lapses of concentration creep into their play on Saturday in a game Villa simply have to win in order to keep up with the top four frontrunners.

Just a quick word on Villa’s form in that it’s not ideal, nor is it the worst we’ve seen. However, just one win from their last seven isn’t exactly Champions League material and it was about this time last season where Villa’s assault on the top four rapidly come to a halt. There have been far too many draws and too little wins, with their only victory in five coming away at Fulham in the form of a 2-0 victory. Either side of that win is two draws, three of which were 0-0′s meaning Villa’s strike force has somewhat ceased to exist, failing to score in five of their previous seven league fixtures, also managing just three goals in the same seven game span.

Burnley

League Position: 18th

Recent Form: LLLWL

Whereas this would look a no-hoper of a fixture for Burnley has now become somewhat of a potential point grabber as Villa’s congested fixture list could play into Burnley hands. However, the one huge factor going against The Clarets is their abysmal away form – Not winning an away league fixture all season, and while Villa do have their minds on matters elsewhere it would still require a massive effort and a major improvement in performance were Burnley to take anything from this fixture – But it’s not out of the question!

It’s a shame Burnley’s away form this season is so bad as they would be a decent value punt under the circumstances. Their opponents will have their minds focused on too many matters, whereas Burnley have their sights well and truly set one goal and one goal only, and that’s avoiding relegation but getting points any which way they can. While their away form is drastic on paper, manager Brian Laws couldn’t care less as he will believe his players are capable of getting a result at Villa Park.

What do we think? – Well, even with Villa facing battles from all quarters it’s still hard to find a case for Burnley simply because they’ve been the worst away outfit in the league. Only once, a surprise draw at Man City, have Burnley not lost away from home, with a losing away percentage of 92% – A staggering statistic for any side. Moreover, their scoring antics, or lack of it shall we say, just typifies how poor a side Burnley are away from Turf Moor, with The Clarets scoring just eight goals on the road this season, up their with the worst away offences, while they unfortunately have the worst away record in the league after shipping a colossal 38 goals in just 13 away outings – conceding on average nearly 3 goals a game.

The statistics make Burnley sound a bad team, a terrible away team, and that they are. They do have plenty of spirit and endeavour and will undoubtedly show plenty of both on Saturday, but you’re asking a lot of Burnley if you fancy them to knick a point in this contest as you’re asking the worst defence in the league to basically pull a rabbit out of the hat in terms of a world class defensive display. We fancy them to create chances, hopefully take a few if they’re lucky, but we equally expect them to concede a fair few in return as they are so wobbly and exposed in defence. It’s a no-no from us!

Match Verdict: Aston Villa to WIN – 1.44 Coral

Burnley’s best chance of claiming at least some of the spoils in this contest could be in what side Martin O’Neill puts out. If it’s a strong one, which is what we expect, then Villa should roll Burnley over. It would take one mare of a performance for Villa not to score against the worse away defence in the league, while Burnley would need probably their best attacking display of the season to find their away past what has been a fairly sturdy Aston Villa defence. A home win for us, with perhaps Villa’s setback possibly coming in a few days time when they entertain Crystal Palace in the FA Cup replay.

Match Odds:

Aston Villa – 1.44 Coral

Draw – 4.50 Bet365

Burnley – 10.00 PaddyPower

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Tip: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.75 Bet365

Burnley V West Ham United

Saturday, 6^th February – 15:00 GMT

Burnley

League Position: 18th

Recent Form: DLLLL

As the old cliché goes – “The honeymoon period is well and truly over” and that old adage rings so true with Burnley. After a glistening start to the campaign, which peaked very early on with a 1-0 victory at home to the champions, Manchester United, Burnley’s season has dramatically come off the tracks and they have rapidly become the 2009/2010 edition of Hull City. However, Burnley’s fall from grace has come slightly earlier than Hull’s of last season and that’s not good news as The Clarets look on course to achieve even less points than the Tigers.

The season, even after their fabulous start which did consist of plenty of victories, has been solely about avoiding the drop and that hasn’t changed and is in fact more challenging now then it looked a month of two ago. The 31^st October, 2009 at Turf Moor – A 2-0 victory against fellow struggler’s Hull City was the last time Burnley won a Premiership fixture. A whole three months ago, a run of twelve games without a league win. That’s a catastrophe of a run and one that, even this early on, looks to have al-but stamped Burnley’s relegation tag.  

Their fall from grace has been met with aplomb, with Burnley’s over-the-top European claims now turning into serious relegation concerns, with Burnley now occupying a relegation spot. Their problem right now is points are proving hard to come by, even at Turf Moor which was a fortress for The Clarets in the early stages of the season. This huge run without a win is costing them dear and not only is it slowly rotting away at their survival chances but it’s also doing serious harm to the morale in camp. As well as points drying up, goals have been at a premium while their defence has looked leaky, and this scary formula is the reason why Burnley have now chalked up a four match losing run in the Premiership.

The small glimmer of hope for Brian Law, whom has yet to celebrate a Burnley win as manager since taking over the reigns from a successful Owen Coyle, is that this four match losing run mainly consists of away defeats, while their latest, even though was at Turf Moor, was against the Premiership leaders in Chelsea. The Clarets aren’t going to win many, if any, on the road for the remainder of the season and pretty much everyone in the football world has come to terms with that. However, were Burnley to surpass expectations and avoid the drop then some big performances, combined with some huge individual displays, are required at Turf Moor against the teams in and around them – West Ham being a prime example. This is a fixture Burnley simply cannot afford to drop a single point in as ‘Winnable Fixtures’ will now be at a premium for this small club.

West Ham United

League Position: 15^th

Recent Form: WLDDD

West Ham take their poor away form into this tricky looking but must win game with Burnley at Turf Moor. The Hammers have barely moved from the relegation zone since the start of the season but are now several positions above the drop zone and have an ideal opportunity to put yet further breathing space between them and the bottom three. However, Burnley have been a tricky customer on their own soil and West Ham have it all to do if they are to double their away tally and secure just their second away win of the season.

These new owners have been a Godsend for little old Gianfranco Zola has West Ham’s once lightweight attacking has now been bolstered by some fresh ammunition. In the last day of the January transfer market alone, West Ham secured the services of Blackburn’s Benni McCathy, Middlesborough flop Mido & Ilan, a former Brazilian international on a freebie! Carlton Cole, whom has spent a long spell on the sidelines this season, will no longer feel the pressure from the fans to score the vast majority of West Ham’s goals and he will feel a burden has been lifted from his shoulder as The Hammer’s now boast far more fire-power up front.

However, now the demand with the fans for more goals will be greater and they’ll be expecting to score a few against Burnley, a side which have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last twelve league fixtures. On the same token, however, The Hammers have managed just one league goal in their last four games and have failed to score in nearly half of their away encounters this season, failing to find the net in 5/12 away fixtures thus far. They were, though, on target in their last away adventure when they drew 1-1 at Portsmouth and the players will have grown in confidence after going three games unbeaten… Albeit being three consecutive draws.

The problem of late with West Ham has been a distinct lack of goals and it’s perhaps why Zola has reinforced his attack so much during January because West Ham’s solid defensive displays of late should of enabled them to snatch the odd goal here of there and win games instead of drawing them. However, they are facing an attack minded Burnley side on Saturday and this could turn into a ‘Who can score more’ contest. Especially as the reverse encounter finished with eight goals when West Ham beat Burnley 5-3 at Upton Park earlier in the season.

Match Verdict: Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

We’ve found it hard to separate the two as neither are in stunning form at present, with Burnley without a win since the end of October and West Ham not winning a league fixture since Boxing Day. However, just because we fancy the draw doesn’t mean we think this will be a dull affair as West Ham’s new offensive options make this a tasty encounter on paper as Burnley will try to play on the front foot as well. I can see quite a few goals here, like their previous meeting at Upton Park which produced eight goals, and a 2-2 correct score punt is one we’re seriously considering.

Match Odds:

Burnley – 2.60 Bet365

Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

West Ham United – 3.00 SkyBet

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Pick: Over 2.5 Goals – 2.10 VCbet

Burnley V Chelsea

Saturday, 30^th January – 17:15 GMT (ESPN)

Burnley

League Position: 18th

Recent Form: LDLLL 

Burnley have rapidly gone off the boil in a relatively short space of time and have now opened up an eleven match run without winning a game in the Premiership. You have to stretch your memory back to the 31^st October, for Burnley’s last league win in which they beat Hull City 2-0 at Turf Moor. The venue for Saturday’s live encounter with Chelsea, and also a venue where Burnley have beaten Manchester United this season – the current English champions, and where they held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw. Make of that what you will, punters…

The issue regarding Burnley is a lot like the one surrounding Hull City last season in that a blistering start to the season, one which has been built upon a solid set of home results for Burnley, has now gone off the boil and the confidence levels in the camp has dropped considerably in toe. The Burnley players have no idea what that winning feeling actually feels like after eleven games without winning in the league, whilst their FA Cup dreams were sent crashing when they were knocked out by Reading two weeks ago. As if it matters couldn’t get any worse!

It’s no pretty clear that Burnley were riding high on a Euphoric wave of success in the early part of the season and now a win less run has opened up, Burnley are struggling through a lack of momentum and confidence. Moreover, they’ve now lost three successive games in the league, although all three were away from home and Burnley fans can at least take some heart from the fact they’ve gone five games unbeaten at Turf Moor. Their last four, however, have been draws, score draws, and now even their form at Turf Moor, which was a happy hunting ground for them earlier on, has deserted them leaving them on the verge of capitulation.

Burnley only really know how to play one way and that’s on the front foot. It’s been a successful tactic for them thus far, especially at home, but without Owen Coyle at the helm we can easily envisage even their best attribute, which is their attacking play, going straight out the window in quick time. The problem I can see arising is gaps being left at the back as Burnley bid to strike at the other end and this could lead to a Chelsea onslaught. A huge defensive display is required for Burnley to take anything out of this game, although they can seek inspiration from their 1-0 victory over Manchester United back in August.

Chelsea

League Position: 1st

Recent Form: DDWWW

Chelsea have an ideal opportunity to go further clear at the top of the Barclay’s Premiership table with a win at Turf Moor. Moreover, it would extend Chelsea’s winning run to four in the league and take them to eight unbeaten. The confidence is growing as Chelsea’s form grows stronger, and now their chances of adding more points in the forthcoming weeks should enhance greatly with the return of some of their African stars, most notably Didier Drogba.  

Carlo Ancelotti will have an array of star at his beckon call for this trip to Burnley now that the AfCON draws to a close. However, Chelsea have coped stoutly without their African contingents and the Italian might be reluctant to change a winning formula as the pressure at the top tightens. Chelsea had relinquished their grasp of top spot in the new year, despite not dropping a single point since Boxing Day, but have overhauled Man Utd to return to the summit and a win would reinforce their stance as the leagues favourite to secure the crown. 

The blues have been playing some immense football of late and you would be a brave punter to oppose them in Saturday’s encounter. They’ve won their last three league games, all coming at home, but they’ve scored goals a plenty along the way, scoring a staggering twelve goals in their last three games in the Premiership. However, in a bid not to deceive you folk, we must point out that Chelsea have been stuttering on the road in recent weeks and haven’t won an away fixture since they demolished Arsenal at The Emirates 3-0. It’s now three away games without a win for Chelsea but they won’t get many easier opportunities to end a surprisingly poor away run.

Chelsea haven’t shown too many frailties this season but when they have occurred they’ve generally come away from home and this is backed up by an ‘average’ away record: 5-2-3. Chelsea have yet to lose at home this season but yet have suffered three defeats on the road. Their concentration levels have been spot on throughout but when lapses have cropped up it’s been away from Stamford Bridge and a three match away run without winning will have the Chelsea players doubting their ability. Their poor away form does throw somewhat of a curve ball in what should otherwise be a straightforward victory in our eyes.

Match Verdict: Chelsea to WIN – 1.30 PaddyPower

The only real doubt over Chelsea is their away drought of three games. However, that looks set to disappear as they travel to Turf Moor looking for their fourth win in succession. Their squad will be boosted, their form is perfect and they’ve been scoring goals for fun. Burnley, however, have gone well and truly off the boil and will struggle to attain a point in this game we feel. Chelsea look far too strong on paper and we hope they’ll back that claim up with a comfortable win on Saturday evening… LIVE on ESPN!

Match Odds:

Burnley – 15.00 VCbet

Draw – 5.50 Boylesports

Chelsea – 1.30 PaddyPower

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Pick: Chelsea -1 Goal (Handicap) – 1.95 SkyBet

Reading V Burnley

Saturday, 23^rd January – 12:45 GMT (LIVE on Bet365)

Fortunately, all you Reading & Burnley fans will be treated to some free viewing via Bet365. All that is required on your part is that you have a Bet365 account. If you’re already a Bet365 user then simply log into your Bet365 account bang on kick-off time (12:45 GMT) and begin your viewing… FREE. If you don’t have a Bet365 account but simply can’t afford to miss out on cheering your side on from a far, then simply sign up by click here… no immediate deposit is required to view any of the available streams! You just need a Bet365 account. It’s as simple as that!

Reading

FA Cup Progress: BEAT Liverpool (H1-1, A1-2)

Reading produced one of the shocks of Round 3 when they not only forced Liverpool into a replay after playing out of their skins at The Madjeski but they actually beat the mighty Liverpool at Anfield to secure progression into the fourth round in which a very winnable tie awaits them with Burnley. However, after claiming the scalp of Liverpool, the seven time winners of the competition, the pressure will be on Reading to pull another big performance out of the bag as everyone will now be thinking ‘if they can beat Liverpool, surely they can beat Burnley’.

Just about every superlative known to man was used to describes Reading’s performances against Liverpool, both in their game at The Madjeski and at Anfield. However, we’re more interested in their display at The Madjeski as we felt they were very fortunate to beat the reds’ at Anfield due to a dubious penalty decision. Reading did, however, play very well in both encounters. They created plenty of chances and looked a serious threat when on the attack, which was unusual as they’ve been pretty ordinary in The Championship this season and have struggled for goals since the very start of the campaign. 

It’s important that no-one gets too carried away as Reading did only manage one goal in normal time in both encounters, and both came under fortunate circumstances. The biggest criticism of Reading this season has been their lack of goals, especially at home, scoring just nine league goals at The Madjeski thus far. However, after watching them in both encounters with Liverpool, and on Saturday against Nottingham Forest, it wasn’t hard to see why they were struggling so badly for goals. They create enough chances, with their wingers providing the forwards with a decent supply, but the amount of chances they wasted in all three games I watched was astonishing. Even the clear cut ones, chances from mere yards out, were going astray and it’s clear the forwards are lacking in confidence.

If Reading are to claim their second Premiership scalp of the competition then they will need to improve in front of goal and quickly. Scoring in games hasn’t been a problem, scoring in their previous eleven league games plus their two matches with Liverpool. However, Reading haven’t managed two or more in any of their last five games, seven if you include the two with Liverpool, and against a tricky and attack minded Burnley side, Reading might just need more than one to book their place in the next round.

Burnley

FA Cup Progress: Beat MK Dons (A0-2)

Many were touting Burnley’s outing at MK Don’s as a possible banana skin, a shock waiting to happen, but the Claret’s were having none of this as they sailed through to the fourth round with a comfortable 2-0 win at The Stadium MK proving all the doubters that, even despite their terrible away tendencies in the league, Burnley are a match for those outside of the top flight, even away from their beloved Turf Moor. We have no doubt Reading will have watched their performance on DVD and they may well be worried because we feel Burnley will overcome Liverpool’s killers at The Madjeski.

Burnley, yet again, have been priced up as a potential shock waiting to happen but we’ve taken to their odds immediately, especially after watching them at Old Trafford last Saturday. Burnley may have lost 3-0 to Manchester Utd, the reigning Premiership champions, but it was Burnley who nearly became the ‘shockee’ at Old Trafford after nearly taking the lead on two occasions. Steven Fletcher, David Nugent & Chris Eagles all missed relatively easier opportunities to score, with the former two both coming when the game was still level at 0-0. Fletcher was unlucky with his effort but Nugent’s attempt was poor and perhaps a lack of confidence combined with a lack of first team appearances over the years has led to a demise in self belief as his finish certainly lacked conviction. 

The disappointing thing about their outing at Man Utd was that they lost. However, the big positive was that they did manage to create chances, extremely good ones, and we don’t think they’ll pass them up at The Madjeski if they do arise as the pressure will be nothing compared to that at Old Trafford. That has been an ever present feature with Burnley this season and it’s a lot like Reading in that they look nifty on the break but poor in front of goal at times. This statement is especially true in Burnley’s away displays and the fact that they haven’t managed a single league goal in over 360 minutes of away football clearly highlights their striking flaws.

The last time Burnley scored an away goal was at The Stadium MK in which they scored two in a 2-0 win. Now, Reading are a better side but the gulf between the two, Reading & MK Dons, isn’t as big as you might think and Burnley will certainly get plenty of opportunities to gain some away glory in front of goal at The Madjeski, we feel. Reading’s defence looked ordinary at best against Liverpool, with the defenders often resorting to clumsy and lazy tackles, so if Nugent and Fletcher are on form then Burnley could stretch this run in the cup further and be one of the first to qualify for the fifth round.

Match Verdict: Burnley to WIN – 2.63 Bet365

If you didn’t get to watch either of Reading’s games with Liverpool then you could be fooled into thinking they’re a cracking bet to record another big win over a Premiership side, this time in the form of Burnley. However, we weren’t particularly impressed with them in either, mainly in front of goal if we’re completely honest. Like Burnley they can create good goalscoring chances but they simply don’t have the quality up top to succeed at this level. Burnley, however, do have a pair who will stick the majority of the decent opportunities away and they will come on strong for their Old Trafford disappointments. We feel Burnley will have too much in attack for Reading, while the beast in goal, Brian Jensen, provides the Claret’s with a reliable pair of hands in the goal.

Match Odds:

Reading – 2.88 SkyBet

Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

Burnley – 2.63 Bet365

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Tip: Burnley to score 2 or more goals – 2.30 PaddyPower

Manchester United V Burnley

Saturday, 16^th January –

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: WLWWD

The only thing circling around the players minds will be revenge after Burnley inflicted the most embarrassing defeat of the season on the reigning league champions near the very start of the season. The Clarets recorded a memorable 1-0 victory at Turf Moor, the shock result of the season thus far, but now the Red Devils welcome them into Hell A.K.A Old Trafford for round two of this contest. However, Burnley are at a disadvantage what with Owen Coyle’s departure leaving Burnley manager-less, but this is Fergie and it will be a no holds barred contest in Manchester so expect no sympathy from the United camp.

If you thought the 1-0 defeat at Burnley was bad, it was horrific in actual fact, then we best not describe what the loss to Leeds United at Old Trafford felt like a fortnight ago. In that game, United were terrible, probably the worst we’ve seen them play in a good season or two, it was that bad. However, they didn’t play much better last weekend as they played out a 1-1 draw with Birmingham in which they would consider themselves fortunate to have taken a point away from a game where Birmingham had far more chances but yet spurred the vast majority of them.

We know all about United’s injury list but that list is decreasing so that excuse is no longer valid. Their star-studded defensive pairing of Nemanja Vidic & Rio Ferdinand have missed a large proportion of United’s games, though, this season and words cannot describe how sorely missed the pair have been at the heart of what has been a shaky and exposed defence in their wake. Johnny Evans is supposedly the next best centre-half in the squad but he looks Championship standard at best, while Gary Neville just doesn’t have the pace nor height to compete at the highest level any more (just our honest yet brutal opinion). All this cumulates in a shoddy back line, one which is leaking goals at present and will cost them plenty of points until Ferdinand & Vidic return to save them.

The latter, Nemanja Vidic, could actually make his return from injury for this game which will be welcomed with a sigh of collective relief around Old Trafford but will his presence at the back be enough? Vidic isn’t really a leader and while Neville is, or was, he simply isn’t getting the best out of this makeshift United defence and that’s a big concern. United were far too exposed at St. Andrews on Saturday, especially from set-plays with actual man-marking non-existent.

At Old Trafford, though, is where United have been playing better and earning more points this season, with eight of their fourteen victories coming at home. They’ve won their last two league games at home; victories over Wigan Athletic (5-0) and Wolves (3-0), both were emphatic and both were tidy, but they severely let themselves down at home to Leeds United in which they shown huge signs of complacency. To be honest, they shouldn’t encounter similar problems at home to Burnley this weekend as the Clarets have been poor on the road all season but that doesn’t entitle them to three easy points. A big improvement is needed from the current champions!

Burnley

League Position: 14th

Recent Form: DDLDL 

Burnley, now without Owen Coyle, aim to complete what would be an historic double over Manchester United on Saturday as they travel up to Manchester in the knowledge that they beat the Red Devils 1-0 in the home fixture. Robbie Blake sublime volley sealed a memorable victory for the Clarets but they’ll have their work cut out getting anything from the second instalment of the United V Burnley bout as their away form has been dire this season.

Form and momentum is crucial when heading out to a tough venue, something we always say, but Burnley have very little of either after a lengthy nine match run without a victory. Their last set of three points came by virtue of a 2-0 win over a hapless Hull City, a team that hasn’t won an away game all season, much like Burnley. However, to know the stuffing well and truly out of all you Burnley fans, your side have only gone and lost on their last four away trips and haven’t picked up an away point since the beginning of November, a whole two months ago.

Burnley’s poor away form translates into dire reading (0-1-9), with the Clarets avoiding defeat in just one of their ten away fixtures thus far. However, the bad news doesn’t stop their as their away goal difference is something nightmares are made out of, especially for a manager which is perhaps why Owen Coyle did leave for sunny skies in Bolton. In those ten away outings, which we will remind you that nine were defeats, Burnley shipped a staggering amount of goals – 31, whilst managing just the 8 in return giving them a lousy -23 goal difference on the road after half the season completed.

The statistics make for dreadful and paint an almost flawless picture on United’s chances. It would take the miracle of all footballing miracles for Burnley to even hold the mighty Manchester United at Old Trafford judging by not only their poor away record, or their poor away defence, or even their poor away run of four straight defeats but because of their recent poor away displays; in combination with all the rest. Burnley haven’t scored a single goal in over 270 minutes of away play, not since their 5-3 stuffing at West Ham, and we don’t think for one minute that their blunt scoring habit will die young at Old Trafford this Saturday in a game where clear cut chances will be few and far between.

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1.18 PaddyPower

There is nothing in United’s form to say that this will be a romp but Burnley have been a poor away outfit throughout the first half of the season, avoiding defeat in just one of their ten away outings at the mid-way point. They are conceding a staggering amount of goals when on their travels, averaging 3 a game, and while United haven’t been playing well we still fancy them to stroll through this fixture. A big win would lift the morale of the camp and we expect just that.

Match Odds:

Manchester United – 1.18 PaddyPower

Draw – 7.00 SkyBet

Burnley – 17.00 Boylesports

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Tip: Man Utd to WIN to NIL – 1.80 SkyBet

Burnley V Stoke City

Saturday, 9^th January – 15:00 GMT

MATCH POSTPONED – We regrettably have to inform you that the following game has been postponed due to severe weather conditions. Although the pitch has been confirmed as ‘playable’ the surrounding area; roads, pathways, steps etc… have been deemed a hazard and a risk to those fans who will attend the game. 

Burnley

League Position: 14th

Recent Form: DDLDL

We were mightily impressed with Burnley’s clinical display away at MK Don’s on Saturday in a fixture many were tipping up as a serious potential shocker. However, Burnley gave MK backers no chance with a comfortable 2-0 win at Stadium MK, one which led to them drawing a nasty tie away at Liverpool/Reading. Nonetheless, it’s good for the camp to progress in the cup,but the league, and surviving, is the priority for Burnley this season and Owen Coyle, providing he is still at the helm come Saturday, will need his players to concentrate fully on the task at hand this weekend in what will be one of their toughest home examinations this year for Burnley

Its common knowledge that Burnley, due to their horrendous away form, are relying heavily and solely on their form back at Turf Moor for survival this season, and a game such as this, against a Stoke City who could very well be in the mixer themselves, is extremely important to their chances. We wouldn’t go as far as to say that this is a relegation six-pointer, as for one; we don’t really see Stoke going down this season, and two; neither are in a too precarious position at present, although the fact that Burnley are just two points off the drop is a slight concern and a surprise considering they are 14^th in the league table.

The league table and Burnley’s position in it are misleading as their position would let on that they’re comfortable. That is far from the case and a defeat this weekend could actually see them drop into the bottom three for, what I think will be, the first time this season. However, their form at home has kept them a afloat this season but a lengthy run without a win at Turf Moor would have surely sent the alarm bells ringing. Four successive draws, all by a 1-1 scoreline, against Aston Villa, Burnley, Arsenal & Bolton, are actually very creditable results, with the exception of the Bolton game, but the points will be disappointing, nonetheless.

Owen Coyle will have to look for inspiration from their last home victory, a 2-0 win over a struggling Hull City back in October. They weren’t all that impressive in that game and have actually been playing a lot better of late so a win should be around the corner. However, Stoke are a physical side, whereas Burnley prefer to play in a more glamours way, and we aren’t quite sure which style of play will prevail in this contest, especially as Burnley could be found wanting from set-plays.

Stoke City

League Position: 10th

Recent Form: DLLLW 

The Stoke fans were blessed with a fair few goals when their Potters side went potty at The Brittania on Tuesday night. Stoke had previously only managed 15 league goals since the start of the season but found themselves 3-0 up by half-time against a Fulham side that had previously claimed the scalp of both Liverpool & Man Utd. However, Stoke nearly shot themselves in the foot when they allowed Fulham to pull two goals back and gave the home fans an undeserved shock before the ref finally blew for full-time.

Those three points against Fulham, three vital points, was Stoke’s first since the 22nd November, and Stoke were on a six match run without a win before their free-scoring success over Fulham. The result will have been very pleasing, their first half performance was a delight, but the way they collapsed and allowed Fulham back into the game in the second half will have been a major concern for Tony Pulis as you would expect any side, no matter how small, to close out a game comfortably with a three goal advantage.

With the shaky end to their last game aside, Tony Pulis & Stoke now have a platform to build on as they aim to get back onto a winning run by securing their first set of back-to-back league wins since mid October. Although Stoke were strapped for wins before the new year, that win over Fulham did lift the Potters back into the upper half of the table into 10th position and they look a very good bet to avoid the drop this season. However, they may very well come a cropper at Turf Moor at a venue where not only have their opponents been considerably strong for the entire season but also a setting where Stoke have struggled to score goals, but haven’t fallen to defeat at Turf Moor in their previous two visits. 

Although the Fulham win did end their overall winless rout, Stoke still have to contend with the fact that they haven’t won away from the Brittania in their last five outings. A run which stretches back to the end of October. It’s also worth pointing out that before their high-scoring heroics against Fulham, Stoke had failed to score in five of their previous six league games and whose last goal away goal came at Hull City, back in October, five outings ago.

In our opinion, Stoke cannot be touched at this present time, especially on the road. However, their goal scoring antics of Tuesday night may have lit the touch paper and we could find ourselves praising their strikers once again come our next set of previews. Although, we still can’t see that happening as we fancy Stoke’s winless away run to dwindle on.

Head-to-Head:

These two sides have never met in the Premiership, due to this being Burnley’s first season in the Premiership. Stoke, however, have a full top flight season under their belts so will this extra experience count in this tight contest.  

Match Verdict: Burnley to WIN – 2.30 BlueSquare

Home form is crucial in Burnley’s chances of avoiding the drop this season and a game with Stoke City takes on even more significance as it’s one that’s more than winnable. The Clarets play far more attractive, attacking football at Turf Moor, whereas Stoke have struggled to pick up points on the road of late and we’re sticking our pennies on the team with the strong home record, although a win for Burnley would be their first at Turf Moor in five games. It’s an intriguing match up, as Burnley will aim to play their football on the floor while Stoke will look to dominate in the air, but Burnley will create more chances than their travelling opponents and it will just be a case of whether they can take a few of them. If so, then we believe the three points will be there’s.

Match Odds:

Burnley – 2.30 BlueSquare

Draw – 3.30 totesport

Stoke City – 3.40 Bet365

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Tip: Graham Alexander Anytime Goalscorer – 6.50 WilliamHill

Burnley V Bolton Wanderers

Saturday 26^th December (Boxing Day) – 14:00 GMT

Burnley

League Position: 14th

Recent Form: LLDDL

Owen Coyle is already eyeing up some new faces in January but must be content with what he has for time being as Burnley head into a pinnacle point of the season. Those with smaller squads, such as Burnley, tend to falter around the Christmas period and it will be interesting to see how Burnley fare, especially in the home encounters as they are the games Burnley simply have to win if they are to stand any chance of avoiding the drop.

First up is a home fixture with Bolton, quickly followed by another potential six point away at Everton, although Everton fans won’t be best pleased with that remark. Still, Burnley will be contesting two matches against teams in close proximity and a pair of wins either side of Christmas would do their cause the world of good.  

Earlier on in the season, a home fixture against struggling Bolton would probably be seen as a home banker, such was the stunning form of Burnley at Turf Moor then. Now, though, Burnley have gone off the rails somewhat and are struggling for wins themselves. A 2-0 defeat at Wolves meant The Clarets have now gone without a win in seven games. A run consisting of three defeats and four draws. However, the superb momentum they had previously built up at home has soon evaporated after three win less outings at Turf Moor, although they’ve had a tough run of home fixtures. Aston Villa, Fulham and Arsenal, all games that ended in 1-1 draws and all matches which Owen Coyle can take several positives from despite not attaching three points in any.

Their rocky patch of form is a cause for concern but it hasn’t seen too many alarm bells ringing at Football-Betting.co.uk headquarters. Their record at home this season is still sensational considering they were clear odds on favourites to be relegated at the start of the season. In nine home fixtures, Burnley have lost just once, a 3-1 defeat by Wigan, and boast a very impressive home record of 5-3-1. They are, though, without a win in three at home, albeit having some tough home fixtures, and it will be a test of character from not only the players but also from the fans to see if they are still willing to throw everything they have into the cause. A good atmosphere is imperative if the Burnley fans want to go home cheering for the sixth time this season.

Bolton Wanderers

League Position: 18th

Recent Form: LDLDW  

Gary Megson has already signalled his intent to the board about how significant his best players are to the club and it’s future. The former West Brom manager has every right to feel apprehensive ahead of the January transfer window as several of his players will have caught the eyes of several big clubs during the course of the season. However, even Bolton’s very best haven’t been able to keep them afloat and only a win will do for them this weekend if they want to go into the new year not in the bottom three.

It’s been a difficult season for Bolton, with serious form at a premium. However, despite already suffering eight defeats in sixteen thus far, Bolton have began to strike up another small vein of form after taking four points from their last two fixtures. However, with the their match with Wigan Athletic called off on Monday, Bolton’s last win did come over a West Ham side that have seriously struggled this season, although the Hammers did hold Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at the weekend so perhaps that win is worth more credit then we are giving them.

On occasions, Bolton have been a very difficult side to play against, but mostly at The Reebok. Away from home, despite managing just as many wins, Bolton haven’t been as clinical and are without an away win in four outings, losing three of their last four. They have, though, only managed to pick up two points more at home than away so perhaps it’s just a case of when the Bolton team can actually be bothered to turn up. They haven’t been of late and this four match run without an away success could be stretched even further away at Turf Moor, a venue where Burnley have been notoriously strong this season.

A plus point for all you Bolton fans out there, surely there can’t be too many, is that your side has scored in all but one of their away fixtures this season. A 1-0 defeat at Hull City being their only drab 90 minutes in front of goal. However, a bi negative to go with that glimmer of hope is that Bolton haven’t kept a single clean sheet this season, home nor away. That’s a run of sixteen games without a shut out, a run which will only hinder the confidence of their number one shot-stopper, Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

Burnley W: N/A Bolton Wanderers W: N/A Draw: N/A

This will be the first ever meeting between the two sides in the Premiership. Burnley will be hoping to emulate the success of Bolton, a team who have managed to fight off relegation time and time again.

Match Verdict: Burnley to WIN – 2.38 Bet365

It has to be Burnley for us. They’ve been at their absolute best at Turf Moor this season, with just about all of their 19 points coming from home encounters. Bolton, though, have struggled for a consistent run and have been found wanting in their recent away clashes. The Clarets last home fixture was a game with Arsenal, and they terrorised the Arsenal defence, bombing forward not only at pace but in numbers. Owen Coyle, aided by the support of the fans, has got Burnley playing some decent and attractive football at home and we expect another big win for his side, one that would see Bolton remain in the bottom three over Christmas but Burnley slowly edge away.

Match Odds:

Burnley – 2.38 Bet365

Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

Bolton Wanderers – 3.20 PaddyPower

Wolverhampton Wanderers V Burnley

Sunday 20^th December – 13:30 GMT

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 1

Wolverhampton Wanderers

League Position: 18th

Recent Form: LLWWL

This may not look the glamour game of the weekend but many eyes will now be on this fixture simply to watch if Mick McCarthy does pay the price for losing the gamble. The Irish manager put things into perspective in midweek when he fielded one of the weakest teams the Premiership has even seen, making wholesale changes (10 in all), in a bid to rest his key players for this crunch clash with Burnley. A game which he clearly sees is far more winnable than the one in midweek at Old Trafford, which he would be right in thinking, but isn’t one of the main reasons for promotion to pit yourself against the very best with your own very best?

This game will either be one of two things. A car crash waiting to happen or the setting for a brave genius in the making. We think the former will be the case as only a win will do after wasting both the clubs and fans time on Tuesday night, with the Wolves fans venting their frustration at Mick McCarthy’s embarrassing team selection with chants of them demanding their money back. However, a win for Wolves could soon convert those hostile fans into McCarthy admirers with a home win this Sunday.

To their credit, those who did step in as replacements for the first team put in a creditable performance and didn’t hard the club’s face, despite losing in a comfortable manner, 3-0. For large parts of the first half, Wolves were more than a match for the hosts and could of taken the lead. However, a bizarre hand ball from Zubar handed United the initiative and Wayne Rooney duly obliged from the spot. Wolves were never a match from then on out but things could have been oh so different were it not for some dreadful defending.

That game will now be a distant memory but could it be a season defining moment for Wolves, one that decides evidentially whether Wolves stay in the division or see red once again. So often seasons are defined by such controversial moments, Phil Brown’s half-time rant on the pitch a shining example and a display which seen Hull crash to dire form ever since. Will Wolves follow a similar fate or will the gamble pay off with a win that would please a hostile crowd.

We personally felt it was a wise decision as regardless of the result against Burnley on Sunday, Wolves were never going to get anything out of the game with United as their squad is wafer thin. However, from a neutral and a Wolves fans perspective, I can see why so many aren’t impressed with his action. However, a win at Molineux would justify his decision but Molineux has hardly been the setting for great football this season. In eight home games thus far, Wolves have managed to win just the two, losing four of them. They do, however, have a 2-1 victory over Bolton to reflect on as their last home success but they did previously lose three from four at home and despite their apparent edge in the fitness department, we still feel Wolves will come up short.

Burnley

League Position: 13th

Recent Form: DLLDD

Earning a point against Arsenal would be seen a massive achievement to most clubs, but Burnley aren’t most clubs when playing at Turf Moor and they can feel mighty aggrieved that they didn’t take home all the spoils in Wednesday’s thrilling encounter. However, Burnley now go on another away venture and they will be aiming to bolster their away credentials with their first away win of the season, their first ever in the Premiership, at the expense of a Wolves side which should feature a completely different starting eleven to the one that face Man Utd on Tuesday.

We will stick our hands up and say even we underestimated Burnley’s potential on Wednesday night. The Clarets took on an Arsenal side fresh off the back of their success over Liverpool and we thought Burnley would end up playing second fiddle for the most part of the game. However, we couldn’t have been any further from the truth and it was actually Burnley who played the better football. Their swift attacking moves was a joy to watch and their ability to crave open what should be a strong Arsenal was unbelievable. Our only fault was that they couldn’t capitalise on the handful of chances they did create and that just one found the net… or did it?

Steven Fletcher, in our honest opinion, was wrongly denied the winner when he was adjudged to have been offside when Chris Eagles slid in an inch perfect cross to which Fletcher taped into an empty net. Nonetheless, Burnley didn’t dwell on that controversial decision and carried on where they left off, pushing forward and piling the pressure on what was a poor Arsenal defence that night. However, their pressure didn’t pay off and the draw was a fair result, although Burnley may be thinking otherwise.

Now, though, Owen Coyle takes Burnley’s neat, attack minded style on the round. However, Burnley have failed to replicate the sort of displays that has seen them beat both Man Utd and Everton at home into their away fixtures. This is clearly evident in their away points accumulation of just 1. Whereas at Turf Moor, Burnley have registered eighteen. That’s a huge divide and it’s one Owen Coyle must close because they are become too reliant on their home form. However, they won’t get an easier chance to register their first away win of the campaign than against an ordinary Wolves outfit.

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

Wolverhampton Wanderers W: N/A Burnley W: N/A Draws: N/A

These two, what with this being Burnley’s first season in the top flight and Wolves’ second, have never met in a Premiership encounter. However, the pair will recognise the importance of this game and the first clash should be more exciting then perhaps expected.

Match Verdict: Burnley to WIN – 3.90 Boylesports

Because of Mick McCarthy’s antics in midweek, resting the entire outfield against Man Utd, the bookies seem to think that this edge in fitness will massively boost Wolves’ chances. However, we think completely the opposite as the pressure will solely be on Wolves to win this game as anything else would be seen as a disaster considering the controversy surrounding McCarthy’s actions on Tuesday night. Burnley, however, have no pressure whatsoever on them and we think they are great value to register their first win of the campaign, especially as their last few outings on the road has produced some decent displays.

Match Odds:

Wolverhampton Wanderers – 2.00 Bet365

Draw – 3.50 BetFred

Burnley – 3.90 Boylesports

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Tip: Burnley to WIN to NIL – 11/2 PaddyPower