Prediction: Burnley win
Best Odds: 9/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
The new Premier League season may have only just begun, but we’ve already got our first interruption in the form of the Carabao Cup’s return. It’s often viewed as a competition that isn’t really all too important but with a potential place in Europe on the line as well as a piece of silverware, fans need to start showing it some more respect. Today, we’ll be taking a look at an intriguing second round tie that will go down this week between top flight clubs Burnley and Sheffield United at Turf Moor.
Burnley
Sean Dyche’s men will continue to wait for their opportunity to shine in the Premier League after they sat out the first week of action, but make no mistake about it, this is a team that is considered to be more closely aligned with the top ten than the relegation battle. You never know what kind of season they’re going to have from year to year, though, which is why some pundits are reserving their judgement until they’ve actually seen them play.
Team News
Cork, Mee and Barnes are all set to miss out through injury, but Dyche is still expected to name a pretty strong starting XI for their first competitive game of the season.
Sheffield United
Blades fans will hate this term already but the ever-present threat of second season syndrome needs to be addressed at Bramall Lane. While they may have come close to securing a place in European competition last season, they can’t dwell on that too much – because the Premier League can be unforgiving if you take your eye off the ball. United struggled in their season opener against Wolves, but they’ll be hoping to get their first win of the new campaign on the board later this week.
Team News
Chris Wilder is expected to make a handful of changes heading into this one with Ampadu, Lowe and Bogle tipped to debut. Mousset, on the other hand, has been ruled out through injury, whereas Moore is also a doubt.
Factors to Consider
- In their last meeting back in July, Burnley and Sheffield United drew 1-1.
- Burnley have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games.
- Sheff United have won two and lost four of their last six games.
- Burnley have scored seven goals and conceded five in their last six games.
- Sheff United have scored five goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
Conclusion
Both sides tend to go through something of a feeling out process in the early stage of their games, and yet while Sheffield United are the ones who have returned to Premier League action, we still think Burnley will be the ones who get off to a quick start. We certainly don’t expect a goalfest between two sides who will want to prioritise another top ten finish in the league, but we do believe Burnley will have enough in their locker to control the game and edge out United on their way to the next round.
Prediction: Burnley win
Best Odds: 9/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
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