Two newly-promoted teams wey get different results for opening weekend go clash for Turf Moor on Saturday, as Burnley go host Sunderland for Premier League.
Na since March 2017 Burnley and Sunderland last jam for top-flight, that one end goalless draw for Stadium of Light. This weekend go mark new chapter for both sides.
Match Preview
Burnley coach Scott Parker no start Premier League life well as Tottenham humble am 3-0 last weekend. Even though dem get solid record for Championship last season – 30 clean sheets, just 16 goals conceded and 100 points – dem don already concede 19% of last season goals inside just one match.
Parker don talk say him young squad still dey learn, but hin believe say positives dey from the Tottenham game.
The wahala be say Burnley don concede in each of their last 21 Premier League games and dem dey prone to losing first home match of season – seven from their last nine top-flight seasons.
Still, Turf Moor dey give Burnley small confidence, as dem never lose against Sunderland for home Premier League games (W2 D1). Last season too, dem chop four points from their two Championship meetings with the Black Cats.
For Sunderland, life back for Premier League start in dream fashion. Regis Le Bris and him men scatter West Ham 3-0 in front of their home fans.
Na big boost for team wey don sign plenty new players this summer. But interestingly, na their promotion heroes – Mayenda, Ballard and Isidor – score the goals against the Hammers.
The Black Cats dey aim to win their first two Premier League games for the first time since 1980-81. But history no dey their side when e come to early away matches – dem never win any of their last 24 away league games in August or September since 2009. Still, dem go take encouragement from their last two 0-0 draws for Turf Moor and that 3-1 EFL Cup win in 2019.
Team News
Burnley injury list still long. Zeki Amdouni (ACL), Manuel Benson (Achilles) and Jordan Beyer (knee) dey out. Connor Roberts dey doubt, but Broja, Tuanzebe and Humphreys fit return small. Parker fit change backline from five to four, with Kyle Walker shifting to right-back.
Josh Cullen be the bright spot against Spurs as he create five chances (most in the league that weekend). He go link with Josh Laurent or Lesley Ugochukwu for midfield. Edwards, Tchaouna and Bruun Larsen dey push for starting shirt up front.
Sunderland also get their own injuries. Aji Alese, Luke O’Nien, Romaine Mundle, Leo Hjelde and Dennis Cirkin no dey available. But Jenson Seelt don recover from knock, even though new boy Omar Alderete fit start in defence. New signing Nordi Mukiele dey train partly, Le Bris fit delay hin debut.
Possible Lineups
Burnley XI: Dubravka; Walker, Esteve, Ekdal, Hartman; Cullen, Laurent; Tchaouna, Edwards, Anthony; Foster
Sunderland XI: Roefs; Hume, Alderete, Ballard, Reinaldo; Sadiki, Xhaka, Diarra; Talbi, Mayenda, Adingra
Prediction
Only one goal don dey across the last three Burnley vs Sunderland meetings. Expect another close battle, but based on momentum, Sunderland fit edge this one. Our pick: Burnley 0-2 Sunderland.