Tumbleweed Expected As Albion Host Burnley

Alan Irvine`s West Bromwich Albion will hope to top off a brilliant run of form as they entertain goal-shy Burnley at the Hawthorns tomorrow (28th Spetember, 4:00). The Baggies are unbeaten in two after a surprise 1-0 victory over Tottenham in the league preceded a hard-fought second-half comeback at home against Hull City in the Capital One Cup. Record signing Brown Ideye found the back of the net 15 minutes after the kick-off though a goal either side of half time from Tom Ince and Liam Brady saw the West Midlands side go 2-1 down. Gareth McAudley equalised with three minutes to go before substitute Saido Berahino saw the Tigers leave with their tails betweeen their legs. Irvine`s men travel to Championship side Bournemouth in the next round.

Burnley`s early exit from the cup meant that their squad will have the benefit of rest and recuperation, having not been engaged in a tie in mid-week. Three consecutive 0-0 draws for the Claret and Blue boys against Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Sunderland respectively have seen them on a three match run either unbeaten or without a win depending on whether you glass is half full or half empty. The Turf Moor outfit have only scored one goal in their first five league matches, Scott Arfield putting his team 1-0 up against Chelsea with a long-range strike on the opening day of the season. That match ended 3-1 to Jose Mourinho`s men. Currently sat in 19th position, the North-West club could move up to 13th with a win over 17th placed Albion, they themselves able to rise as high as 10th with all three points.

Their superior Premier League standing sees the Baggies the bookmakers` 21/10 (Numerous) favourites to grab their second league win of the season tomorrow. Ten to three (bet365, boylesports) says that Sean Dyche`s Burnley can get their first, with another draw featuring the new boys being priced at 27/11 with 888sport and unibet. For those wanting to put money on the result being Burnley`s fourth successive 0-0, both Betvictor and Coral are offering 17/2. That, though, is unlikely. Isn`t it?

Manager Dyche may have to wait a while longer for his first goal, with a number of forward-thinking squad members a doubt for the clash. Midfield maestros Dean Marney and David Jones could be forced to watch from the sidelines whilst full-back Kieran Trippier will also need to be assessed. Thirty-year-old Marney who has been a regular first-team face at the club for four years is currently suffering from a tight hamstring and faces a last minute assessment before taking his place on the field. His partner in crime David Jones limped off against Sunderland last weekend with a thigh injury and will also face a fitness test. Dyche has ready-made replacements for the pairing in top scorer Arfield, Steven Reid and Nathaniel Chabolah who is yet to make his debut for the side since moving on loan from Chelsea. Trippier is being watched closely following a groin injury.

Forty goal striking partnership Danny Ings and Sam Vokes are still out though Dyche told a press conference that a `judgement call` will be made about Ings as soon as next week.

`He`s on the grass and making good strides forward, so that will be a judgement call next week.` The former Watford manager said.

Albion`s Irvine is also facing a selection headache with question marks floating above the heads of attacking options Brown Ideye and Victor Anichebe. Ten-million-pound Ideye came a-cropper with an ankle tweak just after scoring his debut goal against Hull, whilst Anichebe is struggling with a hernia. Utility player Chris Baird is also out with illness.

Two well-drilled, though goal-shy, teams are light on attacking options? That 17/2 on a 0-0 is looking more and more tempting.

Go To bet365

#Ad

27/09/2014     © Frixo 2024