Burnley vs Watford: Preview & Prediction

Turf Moor is the venue for this week’s Monday Night Football, as Premier League newboys Burnley look to pick up a solid result at home after suffering a string of defeats.

The Hornets come into the game full of confidence after their comfortable win over Manchester United at Vicarage Road, and it appears that Walter Mazzari is beginning to understand his new players as they settle into his 3-5-2 formation.

The Clarets will be aware of how crucial their home form will be to survival in the Premier League this term, and will be hopeful on building upon their last home win which came against a strong Liverpool side.

Manager Sean Dyche will be aware that Andre Gray will need to be firing the goals up front if they want to improve their recent performances, as although his men have demonstrated good defensive organisation, they have lacked the cutting edge in the final third.

Watford look to have finally found the correct balance to their squad after two impressive results against West Ham United and Manchester United.

New signings Roberto Pereyra and Daryl Janmaat have settled in well to the new regime, as they have provided much needed craft and defensive stability to the Hornet’s squad.

As always, Watford fans will be confident that Troy Deeney and Odion Igahlo can cause the Burnley defence problems on Monday night, as both strikers seem to be finding their feet in the new campaign.

Etienne Capoue (Left) celebrates his strike against Man Utd last weekend – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Team News:

There are no new injury concerns for Clarets boss Dyche, though Burnley forward Ashley Barnes is the only player who remains a slight doubt for the match.

Defender Janmaat is ruled out with a shoulder injury, whilst Younes Kaboul could also miss out on Monday night with a knock, plus summer signing Brice Dja Djedje is still suffering with a long-term injury.

League Positions: Burnley – 18th (3pts); Watford – 9th (7pts)
Last Meeting: Watford v Burnley (April 5, 2016)
Form: Burnley – LWLDL; Watford – DLLWW
Key Men: Burnley – Andre Gray; Watford – Troy Deeney
Shoot Says: Burnley 1-2 Watford