Update: This game has been postponed
Burnley will resume their Premier League duties after a long hiatus when they welcome fellow strugglers Watford at Turf Moor for a potential six-pointer on Tuesday evening.
The Clarets have dropped to the bottom of the table, three points adrift of safety with four Premier League games in hand. Sean Dyche’s side are in a torrid run of form and tasted a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United in their last league fixture.
Watford, on the other hand, held relegation-threatened Newcastle United to a 1-1 draw at St. James’ Park, thanks to an 87th-minute equaliser from Joao Pedro. However, they remain still without a win in the Premier League since beating Manchester United 4-1 at the Vicarage Road back in November.
Burnley vs Watford—Team News
Burnley
Ashley Barnes is still out with a thigh problem, while Chris Wood has left the club to join Newcastle United. Maxwel Cornet is away with the Ivory Coast national team for the AFCON
Nick Pope is Burnley’s first-choice goalkeeper and will start against Watford. In front of Pope, a back four of Matthew Lowton, James Tarkowski, Ben Mee and Charlie Taylor are expected to feature at Turf Moor.
Ashley Westwood and Jack Cork will be tasked to protect the backline and create opportunities for the forwards from midfield, with Dwight McNeil and Johann Berg Gudmundsson offering width from either flank.
With Ashley Barnes injured and Maxwel Cornet away for international duty, Jay Rodriguez looks likely to partner Aaron Lennon up front for Burnley.
Watford
As for Watford, Peter Etebo, Nicolas Nkoulou, Ismaila Sarr and Kwadwo Baah are all out injured, while Adam Masina, Imran Louza and William Troost-Ekong are away with their respective teams for the AFCON.
Ben Foster will start in goal for the Hornets at Turf Moor, with a back four of Hassane Kamara, Samir, Craig Cathcart and Kiko Femenia protecting him.
In midfield, Moussa Sissoko is an absolute certainty, with the Frenchman’s ability in both boxes making him an important player for Claudio Ranieri. Edo Kayembe and Juraj Kucka will look to keep things ticking in the middle of the park for the Hornets.
Joshua King will spearhead the Watford attack, flanked by Joao Pedro and Emmanuel Dennis. Blessed with plenty of pace and power, the Hornets’ attacking trinity can make life difficult for the Burnley defenders at Turf Moor.
Burnley vs Watford—Predicted Lineups
Burnley Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Nick Pope; Matthew Lowton, James Tarkowski, Ben Mee, Charlie Taylor; Dwight McNeil, Ashley Westwood, Jack Cork, Johann Berg Gudmundsson; Jay Rodriguez, Aaron Lennon
Watford Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Ben Foster; Kiko Femenia, Craig Cathcart, Samir, Hassane Kamara; Moussa Sissoko, Edo Kayembe, Juraj Kucka; Emmanuel Dennis, Joshua King, Joao Pedro
Burnley vs Watford—Key Players
Burnley—Dwight McNeil
Dwight McNeil hasn’t hit the heights of last season but still remains one of Burnley’s biggest threats going forward. With his dribbling skills and crossing ability, the Englishman will look to cause problems to the Watford rearguard on Tuesday.
Watford—Emmanuel Dennis
With eight goals and five assists in 18 appearances, Emmanuel Dennis has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water. The Nigerian is expected to come up against Charlie Taylor on the right, and given the Burnley defender’s tendency to go forward, Dennis could have plenty of spaces to exploit at Turf Moor.
