Burnley v West Bromwich Albion
Date: 19/08/2017
KO: 15.00pm
Burnley will be looking to continue their impressive start to the season on Saturday as they host West Brom. The Clarets pulled off a remarkable victory against champions Chelsea in their opening fixture whilst the Baggies squeezed past Bournemouth 1-0.
It appears that West Brom will be without Jonny Evans with the defender looking likely to join Manchester City in the coming days. They will however be able to utilise their new signing and Premier League veteran Gareth Barry.
Burnley will travel with the same squad that went to Stamford Bridge with a similar line up being predicted. Sean Dyche has made moves for Hull’s Sam Clucas and Deportivo La Coruna striker Florin Andone in the last week but has not managed to finalise any deals yet.
West Brom’s £15m signing Jay Rodriguez will be looking to get off the mark for his new club this weekend however he may struggle at Turf Moor as the home team boast a formidable home form. Last season they only lost six games at home. This was their saving grace in ensuring survival as they only won once on the road.
West Brom also struggled on their travels last season, only winning 3 games away from The Hawthorns. However, Tony Pulis knows that he will be coming up against a disciplined and resolute side in Burnley. Some solace will be found in the fact that although they went 3-0 up against Chelsea the home team managed to score with ten men on the pitch and then again with nine after Cesc Fabregas was sent off.
This will be another important day for Burnley striker Sam Vokes, his two goals ensured victory against Chelsea and as Burnley look to adapt to life without Andre Gray, it is apparent that Vokes is willing to step up and take the mantle as Burnley’s main man.
Prediction: 1-0
Written by Dom Clarke.
