Burnley are propping up the Premier League table after seven games and relegation is a real fear at Turf Moor. The good news for the Clarets is that the teams just above them have been equally as bad.
A win against Brighton away would suddenly send Burnley out of the bottom three if results go their way elsewhere. Winning at Brighton is easier said than done for Sean Dyche’s team.
Brighton took four points from six last season against Burnley. After drawing 1-1 at home with both goals in the second half, Brighton claimed a 2-1 victory at Turf Moor. The two teams were level at one goal apiece at the half before Brighton claimed the win in the second period.
Graham Potters’ team are just two points above the relegation zone. Friday night’s early game is a massive six-point game for both teams in the race for Premier League survival.
Brighton have taken five points from 21 possible, but are on a five-game winless run. Just one of their five points have come at the Amex Stadium this season. They have scored just four times while allowing seven goals to opponents.
Burnley have taken one point from 18 possible. They have a game in hand, but based on their struggles, it is unlikely they will turn that game in-hand into three points. The Clarets’ only point came on the road in a dour nil-nil draw at West Brom.
Dyche has watched his team score a mere three goals on the road while conceding seven times. The typically difficult to defeat Clarets are no longer so difficult to beat.
Making matters worse at Turf Moor heading into matchday 8 is the possible sale of the club and the uncertainty over the future for players, coaches, and staff. An Egyptian “food magnate” is said to be offering £200 million to take over the club.
Up to eight players could miss the game for Potter. The most important player the manager needs, however, is Neal Maupay. The striker did not play last weekend versus Tottenham. He was suspended due to a bust up with a fellow player.
Maupay is the team’s leading scorer with four goals and Brighton need the Frenchman to win games. If Potter continues to sit Maupay, it could lead Brighton to drop more points. According to reports, Maupay trained this week.
Solomon March, Ali Jahanbaksh, and Christian Walton are all set to take late fitness tests. Meanwhile, Lewis Dunk is still suspended. Dyche has ruled out Jack Cork and Erik Pieters from the game. Ben Mee and Phil Bardsley could make the squad after overcoming injuries.
With both teams in poor form, Friday night’s match should finish low scoring. Like their game at the Amex in 2019-20, expect a score draw with neither side able to get the upper hand.