League`s Low Scorers Meet As Burnley Host Villa

Burnley could exit the relegation zone for the first time since September with a win over Aston Villa tomorrow (29th November), a victory that would be the club`s third consecutive win. Villa, on the other hand, have dropped like a stone since their four match unbeaten run at the start of the season and find themselves perched just two places above the drop zone in 16th position. Paul Lambert`s men have secured two draws in their last couple of games to halt their six match run without a point.

The West Midlands side were just minutes from a much-needed victory against Southampton on Monday after Gabby Agbonlahor netted only his club`s sixth goal of the season in the first half. Nathaniel Clyne hit back just nine minutes from time to earn the high-flying Saints a share of the spoils.

This home draw for the Villans was preceded by the side`s goalless tie against West Ham, with the month starting with a 2-1 defeat at home to Tottenham. Andreas Weimann put Villa 1-0 to the good only for his team to conceded two late goals. In light of Aston Villa`s propensity to let in so late on, sportingbet are offering 3/4 on a team scoring the last goal between the 75th minute and the end of the game.

Sean Dyche`s Burnley began the month of November by conceding three goals to Arsenal before earning themselves their first win of the season at home to Hull City. Midfielder Ashley Barnes hit the back of the net early in the second half to secure the Claret`s 1-0 victory. The clean sheet was also the club`s first in five matches.

Whilst the Lancashire side were somewhat expected to bring down the Tigers, nobody thought that they could achieve back-to-back victories, especially on the road against Stoke City. Danny Ings gave the visitors the perfect start by netting twice in the first 15 minutes and though Jonathan Walters managed to half the deficit just past the half hour mark, a goalless second 45 saw Burnley run out winners.

In spite of their recent good form, the Turf Moor outfit still don`t score regularly enough to stop many pundits tipping them for the drop. Indeed having bagged eight goals in 12 matches, only Villa have scored fewer. For this reason a number of bookmakers are offering odds of 2/1 on there being fewer than 1.5 goals. ladbrokes also have 7/10 on there being under 2.5 goals scored.

It is the home side, however, who are the favourite to seal their third victory on the trot against Villa. Dyche`s men can be backed at 6/5 with most bookies. Both bet365 and Stan James have 12/5 on a draw being the outcome come the final whistle whilst a morale-boosting win for Lambert`s side is available at best-priced 29/10 with Betvictor.

A victory for tomorrow`s visitors is considered unlikely due to the amount of injuries that Lambert has to contend with. At the time of writing, the Scot currently has five first-team players sidelined. Another, Christian Benteke is will serve the final match of his three match suspension, having seen red against Spurs.

Talismanic captain Ron Vlaar (calf) is once again absent alongside fellow centre-backs Nathan Baker (knee) and Philippe Senderos (calf). Both Ciaran Clark and Jores Okore will continue filling in for the regular starters. This somewhat ramshackle defensive line-up is 11/4 (Spreadex) to keep a clean sheet.

Further up the field, England international Fabian Delph will be out for a few more weeks after having shoulder surgery and Libor Kozak is still sidelined having broken his leg. Sam Vokes still won`t be available for Burnley despite playing for the development squad in the mid-week, whilst Matt Taylor`s Achilles injury also sees him out.

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28/11/2014     © Frixo 2024