Aston Villa vs Burnley
Date: 28/09/2019
K/O: 15:00
Venue: Selhurst Park
Referee: Lee Mason
Aston Villa will host Burnley this weekend, as the Midland’s side look to bounce back from a frustrating defeat to Arsenal. The visitors come to Villa Park in good form, seeing off newly-promoted Norwich last weekend.
Burnley have had an excellent start to their 19/20 campaign, as they currently sit level on points with Champions League contenders Tottenham and Manchester United. Sean Dyche’s side have won two and drawn two already this season, and sit comfortably in 9th position.
Last weekend, Burnley saw off the Championship victors Norwich in a comfortable 2-0 victory. This came only a week after Norwich shocked the footballing world, defeating champions Manchester City 3-2 with their second-string side. Burnley will be looking to make it two wins in two against newly-promoted sides, coming up against a Villa side which has been shaky in recent weeks.
Aston Villa have started their return to the Premier League poorly, only winning one game. They currently sit in the relegation zone on four points, with questions starting to be asked as to why they have so few points on the board after some impressive displays.
Villa have faced 10 men for the majority of their last two fixtures, with Arthur Masuaku and Ainsley Maitland-Niles being sent off for West Ham and Arsenal respectively. Villa have seemed to struggle once facing 10 men as if the pressure of being expected to go on and win the games hinders them.
Dean Smith has come under criticism for his game management over the last two games, especially after last weeks fixture against Arsenal. Villa were 1-0 to the good when Maitland-Niles saw red and they were expected to push on and see out their impressive victory. Instead, an inspired Arsenal comeback saw the Midlands side lose 3-2. Smith will need to show his tactical astuteness against a strong Burnley side if he wants to relieve some of the pressure on his shoulders.
One of the main battles this weekend will be Villa’s quick attack against a solid Burnley defence. Against Arsenal, the combination of quick passing movement and direct dribbling from the likes of Jack Grealish and Trezeguet caused trouble for the London side. Villa will need to replicate this style of football if they want to break down a well-drilled Burnley defence.
Another key area of action will be in the wide areas of the pitch. Villa’s full-backs and wingers have arguably been their downfall this season, being shaky in both attack and defence. Burnley’s McNeil and Hendrick may find a lot of luck down the wings this weekend, supplying an in-form strike force of Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes.
It will be interesting to see the reception Jay Rodriguez receives, after his last-minute handball equaliser against Villa at the Hawthorns last year.
Team News:
Aston Villa:
Aston Villa have no new injury news, with Johnathan Kodjia being the only long term absentee. The only changes may come in midfield or on the wings, after Villa’s collapse against Arsenal.
Burnley:
Burnley will be without Danny Drinkwater, as he is expected to return to action in October. Wood and Barnes are expected to start up top, with both being in good form coming into this fixture.
Predicted Starting XIs
Aston Villa (4-3-3): Heaton; Guilbert, Engels, Mings, Taylor; Nakamba, McGinn, Grealish; Trezeguet, El Ghazi, Wesley
Burnley (4-4-2): Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters; Hendrick, Cork, Westwood, McNeil; Wood, Barnes
Score Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Burnley
Aston Villa will look to bounce back from Arsenal with the pressure building to get points on the table. Barnes and Wood are tricky Premier League forwards and may have some joy against a shaken Villa side.
