Burnley host Aston Villa in a crunch Premier League fixture as they fight the relegation battle. Aston Villa on the other hand are aiming to finish in the top-half of the table for the first time since 2011. The Midlands club will face an in-form Burnley who are on a streak of three-straight wins in the league. However, it’s a different scenario for Villa who have just one win in their last five league games.
Burnley are in a scintillating form despite sacking Sean Dyche. The Clarets have lost just once in their last five games, with three wins and a draw. As a result they sit 16th in the table, two points away from the relegations zone. However, Burnley know the job has not been done with just four games to go. But another three points would take them closer to ensuring their Premier League status.
Burnley Premier League form: L D W W W
Aston Villa are struggling to pick-up points over the past few games in the Premier League. Their win over Norwich last weekend was first in six games. Villa manager Steven Gerrard will look to instill confidence in his players from their performances against Leicester in a draw and Norwich. Further on, a win can take them level on points with the Foxes in 11th place.
Aston Villa Premier League form: L L L D W
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Aston Villa vs Burnley: Team News
The Clarets’ team news
Burnley could be without as many as half a dozen players against Aston Villa. Ben Mee, Jóhann Gudmundsson, Ashley Westwood Jay Rodriguez are out for the clash. However, Erik Pieters and Maxwel Cornet are doubts and a late decision is expected on the duo’s availability. But both have returned to group training which is a positive news.
Caretaker manager Mike Jackson could opt for the same starting eleven which he fielded against Watford. Jackson has kept the formation unchanged and Wout Weghorst and Matej Vydra could lead the Burnley attack in a 4-4-2.
Burnley possible starting line-up:
Pope; Roberts, Collins; Tarkowski, Taylor; McNeil, Brownhill, Cork, Lennon; Weghorst, Vydra
The Villans’ team news
Steven Gerrard has less to worry about the casualties in his squad while traveling to Burnley. Only three players could miss the game due to injuries. Morgan Sanson, Leon Bailey and Kortney Hause are the triad who will sit out this game.
Gerrard handed youngster Tim Iroegbunam a surprise debut against Norwich, but Douglas Luiz should regain his starting spot. Danny Ings out on a man-of-the-match performance last time out and should keep his place in the starting line-up. Callum Chambers impressed as well which earn him a starting spot.
Aston Villa possible starting line-up:
Martinez; Cash, Chambers, Mings, Young; McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey; Coutinho, Ings, Watkins
Our Prediction
Burnley 1-0 Aston Villa
Though Aston Villa have picked themselves up, Burnley are fighting for their lives and that too in front of their home fans. Villa have conceded 22% of their league goals in the first 15 minutes and that’s what Burnley will look to attack. Moreover, the Clarets know how to churn out results which is another lacking quality in Aston Villa. A fiercely contested tie in on the cards, with Burnley the potential winners.
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