Burnley expect to have Heaton back from injury after the first choice goalkeeper resumed training in the week. It’s a big positive to have him back and he’ll likely replace Robinson. Gudmundsson is the only absentee but is easily replaced by Boyd and Arfield out wide. Vokes and Defour will be pressing for recalls and are likely to start, giving the team a more direct threat, even if they lack pace. They won’t be too concerned by losing three games on the bounce, as at home they believe they can beat anybody, and will certainly feel Bournemouth are beatable. A draw wouldn’t really please at home, but they won’t be reckless in their approach and leave themselves exposed. They’ll work hard and try to hit effectively on the break, allowing Bournemouth possession from an organised shape. They are more potent at home, so if they go behind they’ll still believe a result is possible, gradually becoming more attacking as time wears on. Should they get ahead little will change as they stick to their principles and game plan. They’d prefer a low scoring game and would feel confident if leading, though they can be more open if needed as they would look for a winner if level late.
Bournemouth are forced into one change as Stanislas is ruled out through injury, but they are well equipped to cope with his absence. Fraser, who was so influential off the bench last week will likely get a chance, which is only a slight weakening. Daniels returns but Ake will keep his place in the defence on merit, while Surman continues to miss out, with Gosling replacing him adequately. They’ll travel to Burnley in excellent spirits and will genuinely believe they can take another win after their 4-3 success against Liverpool. Failing to back that result up would damage morale, but they’d be content with a draw given that they’ve struggled a bit on the road this season. They’ll stick with their usual approach and will take the game to Burnley, not being content to play cautiously Until last week they’d had no success when chasing, but they won’t want to put themselves in that position again, so a quick start will be the aim. They’ll have to match Burnley’s endeavour and energy, as if they trail it could be hard to come back. They have goals in the team and won’t change their approach if they get ahead, but late on they may become a bit more conservative with a slender lead.
Verdict & Prediction
Burnley come into the game on the back of three straight losses, which has pulled them closer to the relegation zone. They’re still in good spirits however and will be confident of beating Bournemouth, particularly at home where they’ve fared much better this season. They’ll be looking for a win and will feel Bournemouth are one of the sides they have a good chance of defeating this season, so anything less would be slightly disappointing, though Dyche insists every point is valued. They’ll be well backed by a vocal crowd and will have no motivation issues. If they were to suffer defeat they could slip into the relegation zone, which would dampen the mood around the club. They’ve enjoyed a fairly solid start so far and won’t want to see it slip away, even if they are lacking a bit of momentum at present, but belief and desire remains as strong as ever.
Prediction: Burnley +0.50
Odds: 1.73 SBOBET
