Burnley vs Sunderland Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Two promoted sides face off early in the campaign with Burnley hosting Sunderland at Turf Moor on Saturday.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / US – Peacock Premium
Burnley preview: Tough start
Burnley were handed a difficult Premier League opener against Tottenham last weekend and were ultimately on the end of a 3-0 defeat, but there were nevertheless some encouraging signs that the Clarets could compete in the division.
Having conceded a mere 16 goals in the Championship last season, Scott Parker will likely set his team up in a defensive manner regardless of the opposition, and it should be no different here against a fellow promoted club.
Sunderland preview: Dream opener
Sunderland fans could not have hoped for a better return to the top flight as they witnessed their side romp to a 3-0 victory over established Premier League outfit West Ham last Saturday.
The Stadium of Light was in raptures as Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor all struck in the second half against the Hammers, and they now take on opposition they know well from last season.
Burnley team news: Broja hope
Parker has namechecked injury-prone striker Armando Broja has potentially making the matchday squad after a week of training, although that remains to be seen.
Of the recently injured Clarets, Axel Tuanzebe and Bashir Humphreys are thought to be the closest to making the squad after their involvement in training this week.
Predicted XI (5-4-1): Dubravka; Sonne, Walker, Ekdal, Esteve, Hartman; Mejbri, Laurent, Cullen, Anthony; Foster
Unavailable: Beyer (Injured), Roberts (Injured), Benson (Injured), Amdouni (Injured)
Questionable: Tuanzebe (Fitness), Humphreys (Fitness), Broja (Fitness)
Sunderland team news: Seelt fears allayed
Arthur Masuaku should be involved in the squad after getting another week of training under his belt, while centre-back Jenson Seelt has been declared fit by Parker despite limping off the pitch last weekend.
Five others occupy the Black Cats treatment room.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Roefs; Hume, Ballard, Seelt, Mandava; Diarra, Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Mayenda, Adingra
Unavailable: Alese (Injured), Hjelde (Injured), Cirkin (Injured), O’Nien (Injured), Mundle (Injured)
Questionable: Mukiele (Fitness)
Burnley vs Sunderland prediction
There has been just one goals scored in the last three meetings between these two clubs, and given the fact that neither promoted side will want to give an inch to the other, another low-scoring affair looks very much on the cards here.
Sunderland may have scored three against West Ham last weekend, but they massively outperformed their xG in that encounter, and with Burnley prioritising defensive stability, under 2.5 goals looks like a sensible bet.
Burnley vs Sunderland tip: Under 2.5 goals
