Brighton vs Burnley
Date: 06/11/2020
K/O: 17:30
Venue: Amex Stadium
Referee: Mike Dean
TV: Sky Sports Box Office
Burnley travel to Brighton this Friday, both of whom have been struggling for points this season. Brighton have been unlucky in their results so far, whereas Burnley are looking for that all-important first win and jump-start to their campaign.
Both sides performed admirably against Tottenham in recent weeks and were unlucky to be on the losing side. A headed goal the difference in both matches but there were certainly positives to take for both. Having said this, after the 3-0 loss against Chelsea last weekend, all hope for Sean Dyche’s side to build some momentum went out the window. They were simply outplayed by the south London club, never making an impact on the game. A lack of goals has been the demise of the Clarets this season, with only three scored in their opening six games.
People have critiqued Brighton’s style this season for being too adventurous when attacking. They’ve been playing attractive football and were the dominant side against Tottenham on Sunday. Unfortunately, they don’t have a Gareth Bale and in some games, a conservative approach is needed. Not one, I believe, they’ll adopt this weekend. Hosting a Burnley side lacking in confidence, Graham Potter will know this is a fixture his side should be winning.
However, Sean Dyche may be thinking the same. The trip to Brighton seems like the perfect opportunity to change the club’s fortunes and to start scoring some much-needed goals. Brighton have been no strangers to a defensive mistake this season, which Burnley could exploit with a high pressing approach, something we partially saw against Tottenham. It has all the makings to be a cracking opening match to the weekend, with both sides looking to turn their recent form around.
Team News
Brighton
Brighton are still without club captain Lewis Dunk, who serves the final game of his three-match suspension. Brighton fans can expect to welcome back two first-team regulars though. Neal Maupay was excluded from the squad against Tottenham, with rumours circulating it was due to his overall attitude but had the marksman featured, we may have seen a completely different result. I fully expect him to return to action this weekend whilst another re-inclusion will be Australian keeper, Matt Ryan, after being rested for the previous fixture.
With attack on the mind, the south coast side will again more than likely set up with the 3-4-3 formation, but have a potential concern in both wingback positions. Tariq Lamptey and Solly March both picked up knocks in the previous fixture and may miss out for the visit of Burnley. Lamptey was outstanding against Tottenham and his absence will be a big blow to the team.
Burnley
A first win may not be the only first for the Clarets this weekend. Club captain Ben Mee is in contention for a first start since June; a massive boost for both Sean Dyche and the fans. No discredit to Kevin Long, but Burnley are a far greater and better organised side with the Englishman at the back and his return couldn’t have come at a much more needed time. They are, however, still without Jack Cork and Eric Pieters, with Johann Gudmundsson’s inclusion touch-and-go at present.
Josh Brownhill has filled the void left by the Icelandic winger in recent weeks, but may face competition from Robbie Brady this weekend who is a more like for like choice. Phil Bardsley may also be in contention after finishing his COVID isolation period. A few possible changes for Sean Dyche, a headache he’s been missing so far this season.
Predicted Starting XIs
Brighton (3-4-3): Ryan; Webster, Veltman, Burn; Lamptey, White, Bissouma, March; Lallana, Maupay, Trossard
Burnley (4-4-2): Pope; Lowton, Long, Tarkowski, Taylor; Brady, Westwood, Stephens, McNeil; Barnes, Wood
Score Prediction: Brighton 3-2 Burnley
I’m predicting goals this weekend, with the hosts edging the encounter. For all the wealth in quality in attack for Brighton, they’ve been making some simple mistakes at the back and I cannot see them keeping a clean sheet. The likes of Trossard, Lallana and Lamptey will always be a threat and will cause Burnley problems throughout. However, the want to go forward will leave them vulnerable. Burnley can capitalise on this attacking mindset by swapping their defensive DNA with an attacking approach of their own and potentially ending their baron run. Ben Mee could be the difference with Burnley getting a result this weekend. If Burnley find themselves in a match-winning position, his leadership will be needed to see the game out.
