We preview Burnley and Watford’s predicted line-ups ahead of their Premier League contest.
Monday night football sees Watford travel to Burnley’s Turf Moor for what will be the first top-flight meeting between the two clubs.
The previous four encounters between the Clarets and the Hornets have all ended in draws and the stats suggest another potential tight match up this evening. Burnley have only conceded five goals in their previous 16 home fixtures, but only managed four attempts on goal during their last three Premier League games.
Watford enter the match in positive form, having recently beaten West Ham United and Manchester United and knowing that a victory this evening will send them into eighth position in the table – seventh if Walter Mazzarri’s side can win by more than two clear goals.
In facing Watford, Sean Dyche finds himself up against a former side – who he represented in various guises, including player, youth team coach, assistant manager and, during the 2011-12 season, manager.
Despite being an early casualty of Watford’s Pozzo family Watford regime, Dyche holds no grudge. Quoted by the BBC in the build up to the game, Dyche states that, “It’s a lot of water under the bridge and they’ve gone on to become a Premier League club so their model of working has worked for them.”
However, the former Watford man will be desperate for all three points this evening; as Dyche’s Burnley will be hoping to record just their second league win of the campaign, and currently find themselves in 17th position in the table.
Burnley’s predicted line-up
Burnley forward Andre Gray serves the first of four games after being charged and suspended for homophobic tweets.
This may force Sean Dyche to change to a 4-2-3-1/ 4-5-1 system – however, the Clarets’ boss may provide Sam Vokes with a little more support by selecting Patrick Bamford and reverting to his favoured 4-4-2 in front of the home fans. Record signing Steven Defour will be hoping to continue his encouraging start as a Burnley player.
Burnley’s Andre Gray serves the first of a four-game ban against Watford
Watford’s predicted line-up
Watford have doubts over Jose Holebas and Younes Kaboul in addition to right-back Daryl Janmaat, who has been ruled out for six weeks as a result of his shoulder injury in last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United. Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga is expected to come in at left-wing-back for Holebas and the versatile Nordin Amrabat will replace Janmaat.
Watford’s Daryl Janmaat misses out after injury against Manchester United
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