Burnley vs Watford - Preview, Live streaming, lineups & Prediction

Burnley vs Watford

SCHEDULE	TIME
GAME	Burnley vs Watford
DATE	05.February.2022
TIME	13:00 PM (UTC)
VENUE	Turf Moor (Burnley)
LEAGUE	PREMIER LEAGUE - ROUND 17

TV Channel Info

More Information

Streaming starts 5 minutes before kick off

Match Preview

◉ The well-known saying ‘third time's the charm’ springs to mind as this fixture crops up yet again, as it’s already been pencilled in and postponed on two prior occasions due to Covid. Both sides, who prop up the Premier League (PL) table, are arguably in a better state than the last scheduled date though, as Burnley welcome marquee signing Wout Weghorst to the club, while Watford welcome veteran manager Roy Hodgson.

◉ One thing that hasn’t changed since the rearranged date is the importance of this clash, as Burnley could pull themselves off the foot of the table at Watford’s expense with victory. If they are to do that, their home form must improve as they’ve secured just two home PL wins since the start of 2021, as well as the worst overall points per game average across England’s top-four divisions during that period.

◉ A new era begins for Watford… again, as Hodgson became their 15th permanent manager under the current owners. That managerial change was swiftly made following Watford’s crushing 3-0 defeat against relegation rivals Norwich last time out, as former boss Claudio Ranieri became the latest manager to become ‘dilly ding, dilly gone’ from the ‘Hornets’ hotseat.

◉ Thankfully for Hodgson, scoring at Turf Moor has been no problem for 19th-placed Watford in recent years with the club averaging over a goal per game across their last 12 visits, albeit winning has been an issue as they managed just one victory across those games (D4, L7). In what is likely to be a tense affair between two sides desperate for points, the first goal could be crucial, and Watford have conceded first in seven of their nine PL away outings this season, recovering to win just one of those (D1, L5).

◉ Players to watch: You could be forgiven for thinking Burnley’s new 6' 6' striker Weghorst scored headers for fun, but none of his six Bundesliga strikes this season came via his head. For Watford, João Pedro has scored their only two goals across the last four competitive games.

◉ Hot stat: There’s never been a stalemate when Burnley boss Sean Dyche has met Hodgson on the touchline (W3, L4).

Burnley starting lineup:
Pope; Roberts, Mee, Tarkowski, Taylor; Lennon, Westwood, Stephens, McNeil; Weghorst, Cornet

Watford starting lineup:
Bachmann; Femenia, Cathcart, Samir, Kamara; Sissoko, Kayembe, Cleverley; King, Pedro, Sema

Prediction

Burnley 1-0 Watford

Despite their standing at the bottom of the table, Burnley can boast the honour of being one of the best defensive sides at home this term, which ought to serve them well against a confidence-depleted Watford.

The travelling support will hope to see the new manager bounce in full swing for the Hornets, but a new-look frontline of Weghorst and Cornet can expect to aid Burnley's safety bid by contributing to a narrow victory.