A tough week for Burnley
You're right in thinking it’s a fair few days between now and Sunday afternoon when Fulham welcome Burnley to Craven Cottage. But I don’t expect these odds to hang around for long so I’m jumping on them while I can.
Fulham
Newcomers Fulham have begun life back in the Premier League with two losses, first against Crystal Palace at home, and then away to Spurs. I actually thought Fulham deserved more for their efforts at Wembley but Tottenham showed how good a team they are, winning despite not playing to full potential. The loss, though disappointing, won’t affect Fulham for too long though with more winnable games on the horizon, beginning on Sunday when they have a great opportunity to bounce back at home to Burnley.
Fulham will have too much for their opposition
The Cottagers have a very exciting team and on paper at least, this group of players look as if they’ll have enough to remain in the league. Some astute business has seen the likes of Seri, Schurrle, Zambo, Le Marchand come through the door and Mitrovic join on a permanent basis, supplementing a balanced squad already boasting youngsters Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney. Anyhow, it’s my belief, Fulham will have too much for their opposition and should perhaps be bigger favourites than they are currently.
Burnley
I continue to not be impressed with Burnley whom I expect to be taking up a much lower position in the table having overperformed last term. A result of such success sees them travel to Greece on Thursday to take on Olympiakos in the Europa League Play-Offs. Clearly a big opportunity for everybody connected with The Clarets, this match will be the priority this week, not that Sean Dyche will ever admit.
Expect a weary-eyed Burnley to turn up
Sunday’s trip to the capital to meet Fulham will be Burnley’s fourth match in eleven days, quite a heavy demand on a squad which lacks depth and will struggle to be at 100% for the entire period. I expect a weary-eyed Burnley to turn up at the weekend with just two recovery days in between games likely to make for a tough afternoon against Fulham.
Match Tip
I really think there is great value in backing Fulham who have a much better team than Burnley, at least on paper. Last season was a flash-in-the-pan for Burnley in my opinion and they won’t come anywhere near reenacting the same success.
The biggest factor in terms of this game has to be Burnley’s midweek trip to Greece, an important fixture in the history of the club, but an occasion that will automatically detract focus away from the game on Sunday, as well as drain the energy of the players. For me, it matters not if Burnley decide to rotate, their schedule will put them at a major disadvantage.
William Hill are currently offering odds of 21/20 on a home victory so I’m wasting no time in getting straight on it.
