Newly-promoted Premier League side Burnley have endured a disappointing and winless start in the top-flight this season, but that could all change against Hull City Saturday afternoon. The Clarets have amassed just four points from 10 games, scoring just five times in the process. However, they face a Hull City side who have drawn three and lost one of their last four away games.
After having to recently face West Ham United, Everton and Arsenal, Burnley will be glad to put the difficult trio of games behind them, and focus on winnable fixtures ahead.
At Turf Moor, Sean Dyche’s side have earned two draws and two clean sheets. The newly-promoted outfit have also enjoyed more positive results against bottom-half sides than they have when facing teams in the top-10 of the Premier League.
In addition to an impressive 0-0 draw with Manchester United, Burnley have taken a share of the spoils in games against Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Leicester City. They have unsurprisingly come unstuck against the likes of Chelsea, Swansea, Everton and Arsenal and others, but are confident of picking up their first Premier League win on Saturday.
Hull City will equally fancy their chances of ending their wait for an away victory, but home advantage for Burnley could be key. There’s a sense of expectancy for the Clarets ahead of the weekend clash, and the supporters will be in fine voice to spur on Dyche’s men.
Last season’s top striker Danny Ings finally got off the mark in the Premier League, and he will be brimming with confidence as a result. His celebration after netting the equaliser against Everton showed exactly how relived he was to end his goal drought. If he can get decent support from the midfield this weekend, the England U21 international could be the difference. But Burnley’s defence also need to be resilient.
In two of their last three games, Burnley have been level at half-time against their opponents. They certainly know how to nullify the attacking threat of the opposition, but struggle maintaining such solidity for the entire 90 minutes. Considering Hull haven’t scored in their last two games, there’s a chance the Clarets defence could stifle Steve Bruce’s men.
They boast a great past record against City too. In the last eight meetings between the two sides, Burnley have won seven times. A win for the hosts could see them just two points adrift of safety, while a defeat would be catastrophic. Burnley could end the weekend 8 points off safety just 11 games into the season, so desperation is starting to creep in. For Hull, they also risk getting embroiled in a relegation battle should they lose, but a win could put them in the top-eight.
