Two sides separated by just five places in the Football League pyramid of England will meet this weekend in the FA Cup as Bournemouth play hosts to Burnley at the Vitality Stadium with the Championship taking on the Premier League.
It is a common belief that those in the bottom five of the Premier League are no different in ability and class than the top three of the Championship, given how they are likely to switch positions in the forthcoming year. In fact, in the eyes of many, Burnley are heading into this one as the favourites.
Connor's feeling confident for Saturday's cup clash with the Cherries 🍒 pic.twitter.com/vnQNH3tZ2q— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) January 5, 2023
Connor's feeling confident for Saturday's cup clash with the Cherries 🍒 pic.twitter.com/vnQNH3tZ2q
Burnley have been back in action since December 10th and while Bournemouth have been terrible during this time, the Clarets have been on top form.
They did lose to Manchester United in the round of 16 of the EFL Cup at Old Trafford 2-0, but they bounced back with a fantastic victory over Birmingham City.
A narrow 1-0 win away to Stoke City would come soon after, before Burnley then defeated Swansea City 2-1.
In fact, after beating Queens Park Rangers 3-0 and Middlesbrough 3-1 when action resumed in the Championship after the World Cup break, it now means they have won all five Championship games since.
Vincent Kompany has now guided his men to a five-point gap at the top of the Championship table over Sheffield United, and the Blades remain one of just two teams to beat them this season.
Better yet, Kompany's side have scored 52 times in the league and let in only 25. Nobody has scored more than them, while only Sheffield United have a better defensive record.
As for Bournemouth, they are yet to score a goal since action resumed for Premier League teams after the World Cup. Gary O'Neil, despite initially getting the job on an interim basis before an official appointment, is now under serious pressure already.
The Cherries lost 1-0 to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup round of 16 when action resumed, before a 2-0 loss to Chelsea away from home and a home defeat to Crystal Palace shortly after.
They kicked off 2023 with a 3-0 loss to Man United at Old Trafford too, as the Red Devils eased to a win and restricted Bournemouth to just three shots on target.
Despite the difference in divisions, there is clearly one better team in this one based on current form. Forebet predicts a win here for Burnley and for the game to see under 2.5 goals.