West Brom and Burnley are both winless this season in the Premier League. The clubs are in dire need of all three points at the Hawthorns to jumpstart their seasons.
A loss for either team – or draw – would keep them near the bottom three. Depending on results, both West Brom and Burnley could find themselves in the relegation zone at the end of matchday 5. Monday’s game is a must-win for both clubs.
West Brom head into the game with one point from 12 possible. Their only point came at the Hawthorns thanks to a 3-3 draw versus Chelsea. The Baggies should have collected a win against the Blues.
However, they capitulated in the second half allowing Chelsea to come back from 3-0 down to snatch a draw. West Brom followed up the draw with a 2-0 loss to Southampton.
Manger Slaven Bilic has pressure on his shoulders. Bilic is high on the list of the managerial sack race in the Premier League.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche is also high on the Premier League managerial sack race list. Dyche has had issues with the Burnley board and their lack of spending cash on Premier League-quality players angers the manager.
The differences between the club’s hierarchy and Dyche could see the manager sacked if results do not get better soon. According to leading sportsbooks, Dyche is third favourite to get the sack while Bilic is fourth favourite to be fired.
West Brom are –3 in goal difference at home. They conceded six times to opponents while finding the back of the net three times. Burnley, on the other hand, are –4 in goal difference on their travels. They allowed seven goals in two games while scoring three times.
Dyche will be without Jack Cork and Ben Mee due to injury. Meanwhile, a number of players will undergo late fitness tests to make the squad. Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Kevin Long, Johann Berg Gudmundsson, and Jay Rodriguez are all set for a late fitness test.
Bilic is without Hal Robson-Kanu. His loss is significant and made worse by Callum Robinson being ruled out. Robinson is self-isolating after a positive COVID-19 test. Ahmed Hegazi, Kieran Gibbs, and Conor Gallagher are all in line to return to the team.
Both West Brom and Burnley have struggled this season. Playing on Monday will add pressure to their shoulders as they could both be in the bottom three at kick off.
The fixture should finish in a score draw as neither West Brom nor Burnley find a winner. Expect over 2.5 goals at the Hawthorns.