Burnleyvs.Watford

The hosts have avoided defeat in each of their last eight matches, while the visitors have put together a six-game unbeaten run.

Match preview

Burnley are looking to secure an immediate return to the Premier League after suffering relegation under Vincent Kompany last season.

Scott Parker, who replaced Kompany in the summer, has made his Burnley side a tough team to beat, demonstrated by the fact that they have lost just two of their 21 games in the second tier (W11, D8).

Burnley's success has been built upon a strong backline which has conceded just eight league goals this season, leaving them with the best defensive record in the division.

They conceded one of those eight goals in their recent away outing against Norwich City, before Zian Flemming and Josh Brownhill grabbed a goal apiece to return Burnley to winning ways following back-to-back draws.

The 2-1 victory extended Burnley's unbeaten run to eight matches and moved the third-placed side to within a point of Leeds United in second position.

Burnley will now look to maintain their unbeaten home in Saturday's tricky clash against Watford, but while they are yet to lose at Turf Moor this season, they have been frustrated by five draws in their 10 home encounters.

After finishing in 11th and 15th in the last two seasons, Watford are hoping to secure a playoff place in the current campaign, as they look to return to the top flight for the first time since 2021-22.

Tom Cleverley's side are currently enjoying a fine run of form, having won three and drawn three of their last six matches since they lost 1-0 to Swansea City on November 5.

They kicked off that run with home wins against Oxford United and Bristol City, on either side of an away draw against Plymouth Argyle, before they had to settle for a couple more draws against QPR and Watford.

Cleverley would have been delighted to see his side return to winning ways in their recent home clash against West Bromwich Albion, with Vakoun Issouf Bayo netting a brace in a 2-1 victory.

That result maintained Watford's unbeaten record at Vicarage Road this season, having now won eight and drawn two of their 10 home league games, leaving them with the third-best home record in the second tier.

The Hornets, who are sitting outside the top six on goal difference, will be hoping to carry some of that onto their travels after winning just two of their 10 away Championship matches this season (D2, L6).

They will have their work cut out to claim a third away victory on Saturday, especially as they have failed to win any of their last three games against Burnley since they recorded a 3-1 victory in August 2018.

Burnley Championship form:

W

W

W

D

D

W

Watford Championship form:

W

D

W

D

D

W

Team News

The hosts remain without the services of Aaron Ramsey, Manuel Benson and Jordan Beyer due to their respective injury issues.

Lyle Foster is back on the grass following a spell on the sidelines, but the striker will not be ready to feature in Saturday's squad.

Defender Maxime Esteve and attacker Jeremy Sarmiento will have to be assessed after they were forced off in the win over Norwich.

As for the visitors, they will travel to Turf Moor without long-term absentees Kevin Keben and Tom Dele-Bashiru.

Angelo Ogbonna has been out of action since October due to a hamstring problem, but the former West Ham United defender could return to the squad for Saturday's away trip.

Bayo will continue to lead the line for the Hornets, with the striker looking to add to his nine-goal tally for the season.

Burnley possible starting lineup:

Trafford; Humphreys, Egan-Riley, Egan, Pires; Cullen, Brownhill; Koleosho, Laurent, Anthony; Rodriguez

Watford possible starting lineup:

Bachmann; Porteous, Pollock, Morris; Ngakia, Sissoko, Louza, Vata; Baah, Chakvetadze, Bayo

We say: Burnley 1-1 Watford

While Burnley are yet to taste defeat at Turf Moor this season, they have had to settle for draws in five of their 10 home league games, and we think the promotion hopefuls may have to be content with a share of the spoils when they face a Watford side that are unbeaten in six games.

Written by

Ben Sully

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