Weghorst and Hodgson's first dance
Wout Weghorst and Roy Hodgson prepare to battle it out to make a strong first impression on Saturday evening at Turf Moor.
Burnley sit rock bottom of the Premier League but crucially have some games in hand up their sleeve.
Watford will be expected to defend in a more organised manner with Hodgson’s arrival but whether that impact will be evident in their performance on Saturday remains to be seen.
Burnley will reach the halfway stage of their season after this match, they have only won one game up to this point and therefore Sean Dyche will be desperate to start some positive momentum against a direct relegation rival.
Process
The Clarets are narrowly the better side defensively, as is to be expected, however the expected goals (xG) data is pretty grim reading for both sides.
Burnley are creating chances at a relegation battling rate of 1.13 xGF per game with the Hornets averaging just 1.3 xGF per game.
The Hornets have shown promise in the attacking third in a handful of performances and have won four games to Burnley’s one, however Hodgson will be focused on the defensive line and they are likely to sit a bit deeper than they would have done under Claudio Ranieri and Xisco Munoz.
The six pointer feel to this encounter could also make it even more evenly matched, the home advantage will play a part and it will be interesting to observe how Weghorst gets on in looking to replace Chris Wood.
The Clarets are narrow favourites, though Watford are higher when ranked on expected points and will be confident of shoring up defensively and pulling away from the drop conversation in the coming months.
Goals?
Unders looks like a classic play here, Burnley have been a little more gung ho at times this season compared to previous ones, but they may revert to type in such a big game.
Burnley have scored in six of ten.
Burnley have conceded in seven of ten.
Burnley have seen both teams score in six of ten.
Burnley have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Watford have scored in eight of ten.
Watford have conceded in all of their last 20.
Watford have seen both teams score in eight of ten.
Watford have seen over 2.5 goals in eight of ten.
Burnley are rightful favourites but a trusty unders punt does look the most appealing option with a hard fought win very much needed for the hosts.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
0-0. Missed opportunity for Burnley.