Brighton are three games unbeaten in the Premier League and will aim for a seventh win of the season on Saturday against Burnley. The Seagulls could finish the weekend in the Premier League’s top six with a victory and other results going their way.
Chris Hughton’s team has played consistently during their last six matches going unbeaten in four of those games.
Burnley are not experiencing the same good form. The Clarets lost to Liverpool in midweek, 3-1. Sean Dyche watched his team give up three second half goals after taking a shock lead. Burnley are mired in the relegation zone and only off the bottom of the table thanks to goal difference. The Clarets’ Europa League qualifying run continues to haunt them as they have not recovered from the burden of extra matches.
The last six games between Burnley and Brighton have featured just eight goals. Last season’s matches saw two nil-nil draws while their previous meetings in the Championship were only slightly better. Just once in their last six games against each other have the two clubs scored over 2.5 goals in a game.
The last five times Burnley have played Brighton, the games have ended in draws. Prior to their five-match draw streak, Brighton did defeat Burnley 2-0 during the 2013-14 Championship season.
Hughton will most likely be without striker Glenn Murray for Brighton’s trip to Turf Moor. The striker leads Brighton in goals with eight, but is suffering from a shoulder injury. Murray fell on his side in Brighton’s win over Crystal Palace on Tuesday, and the short week could prevent him from playing.
Hughton and Dyche may need to rotate their squads for the fixture. The short week leaves players needing extra days of rest and with the busy holiday season upcoming, it is a vital time to have fresh players.
Burnley are winless in their last six games with three straight fixtures ending in losses. Dyche’s defence has allowed 15 goals in that time and even the Premier League’s struggling offences have found the back of the net against Burnley.
Both Newcastle and Crystal Palace, two teams down around the relegation zone, have scored goals and won against Burnley. It is a low time at Turf Moor and the team’s defensive issues will continue to cause havoc at the weekend.
Leading sportsbooks have these teams close in the pre-match odds. Much of that is down to the five straight draws they have played in their last five games. However, Brighton are in-form and Burnley are struggling mightily. The Seagulls will pick up the win and continue their assault on the top six as Burnley’s woes get worse.