It is an all-British Europa League tie between Scotland’s Aberdeen and England’s Burnley on Thursday night. Aberdeen finished second in the Scottish Premiership last season sealing their appearance in the Europa League.
Thanks to their finish in the league, Aberdeen enter the tournament at the second qualifying stage. Burnley also enter the tournament at this stage after their seventh-place finish in the Premier League a season ago. The Europa League will mark Burnley’s first appearance in a European competition in more than five decades.
Both clubs are still some way away from starting their domestic seasons. Aberdeen won’t start the Premiership until August 5th, while Burnley will wait until the following week to kickstart their domestic campaign. Aberdeen have warmed up for the Europa League tie with four friendlies against Scottish, Irish, and English opposition. The club has gone undefeated and drew in its most recent friendly against West Brom Albion, 1-1.
Burnley have had a successful preseason as well. The English club has won all four preseason matches on the calendar. Yet, like Aberdeen, the level of competition hasn’t been high. Most recently, Burnley defeat Championship club Preston North End, 3-2. Preston were the highest level of competition Burnley have played. There is no question that fitness will play a part in the match on Thursday night. In addition, Burnley could play very tensely as they have waited 51 years to return to Europe.
Aberdeen suffered a blow this offseason with the departure of Adam Rooney. Although he had a high wage and was seen more of a backup player, he still left the club for a fifth tier English side. It’s not a great sign for Scottish football. Rooney tallied 11 goals in 44 games for Aberdeen last term which was a decent return.
Burnley haven’t rocked the world with their offseason signings. Seven of the nine players that have been brought in this summer were on free transfers. However, the club is led by highly touted manager Sean Dyche, who has been rumoured for “bigger” jobs over the last few years. Some will say he has overachieve with the squad he has.
Burnley scored the sixth fewest goals in the Premier League last season (36). However, the club allowed the sixth fewest goals in the top-flight (39). Dyche’s defensive tactics kept matches close and Burnley lost on the road just five times during the league season. Forward Chris Wood led Burnley in goals last term with 11 in all competitions. The 26-year-old will be called upon to help get Burnley past Aberdeen in the first leg.
Due to both teams kicking off the season on Thursday night and a lack of match sharpness, their first leg second qualifying round match will end in a stalemate. The match will end in a draw with the clubs moving to Turf Moor in a week’s time to play the decisive fixture.