Burnley v Tottenham – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Burnley host Tottenham at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon. The Clarets have no points from two league matches whilst Spurs have seven points from three fixtures in the Premier League. Burnley have won two of their last four home matches in the league against Tottenham and we should see goals in this match.

Burnley Form

Vincent Kompany’s side have had a tough start to life in the top flight. On the opening day, they lost 3-0 at home to Man City with just six shots and 0.33 xG. Last weekend, they were beaten 3-1 at Turf Moor by Aston Villa. Burnley were outshot 16-9 and allowed 2.70 xG to Villa in that defeat.

In midweek, the Clarets won 1-0 at Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. A 90th-minute goal sealed the victory in a match with very few chances. They have a very strong home record in the Championship last term. Their 23 matches brought 16 wins and six draws with only one loss.

Burnley Team News

Anass Zaroury is suspended in attack after his red card against Aston Villa. Jordan Beyer is absent at the back with injury and Hjalmar Ekdal has joined him after getting injured in midweek. Vitinha also got a knock against Forest and could miss this fixture.

In attack, Lyle Foster should keep his spot after scoring against Aston Villa but Michael Obafemi has had hamstring surgery and will miss out.

Burnley Motivation

The side needs a point to get their league season going. Three successive defeats would dent the confidence of the players.

They will look to attack Spurs with the ball and could a full-pitch man-marking system when defending. A draw would be a good result and they may settle for one quite early on.

Tottenham Form

It’s been a great start to the league season for Spurs under Ange Postecoglu. Their opening draw 2-2 draw at Brentford saw 70% possession in a dominant display. Round two brought a fine 2-0 home win over Man Utd as they dominated after half-time. Last weekend, Tottenham were dominant winning 2-0 at Bournemouth with 2.06 xG.

In midweek, they made nine changes in the Carabao Cup and lost on penalties at Fulham. The match finished 1-1 with Richarlison on target but it was a toothless display. From 60% possession, Spurs only created 0.86 xG. After an awful seven-match winless run on the road (with 21 goals conceded), they’re three unbeaten on their travels (WDW).

Tottenham Team News

Ange Postecoglu is without long-term injury victim Rodrigo Bentancur. Fringe players like Ryan Sessegnon, Bryan Gil, and Tanguy Ndombele are unavailable too. In midweek, Richarlison took a knock and is a doubt for this match. Son could lead the line with Ivan Perisic down the left wing if the Brazilian is out.

There could be nine changes to the XI for this fixture with only Micky van de Ven keeping his place. There are several players linked with late moves who could depart such as Eric Dier, Ndombele, and Sergio Reguilon.

Tottenham Motivation

Spurs are expected to attack in this match and won’t change that for any opponents.

Postecoglu will go all out to take the three points, to dominate possession, and to play the game in the opposition half.

Key Stats

Burnley have lost their 2 matches this season, both at home (PL)

Burnley have conceded 6 goals in two EPL matches

Tottenham have won their last 2 EPL matches by two-goal margins

Spurs have just 2 wins in 10 away EPL matches (lost 5, drew 3) but are unbeaten in 3 away matches

Verdict

Spurs are looking good and will fancy condemning Burnley to a third straight loss at Turf Moor. Backing Tottenham to score at least three goals looks like a good bet.

Best Bet: Tottenham win at 1.90
Value Bet: Tottenham to score Over 2.5 Goals at 3.15
Big Value Bet: Tottenham Win and Son to score anytime at 4.40

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis