Will Burnley kick-start their season?
Newcomers Wolves have bounced into the Premier League with bundles of belief, while their opponents Burnley serve as a stark reminder of how the top tier can be an unforgiving place when confidence is low. The bookies certainly don’t fancy the Clarets to make a mark at Molineux but I believe they will show the spirit of last season to least make a match of this.
Wolves
Unfairly criticized in some quarters for achieving promotion with super-agent Jorges Mendes pulling the transfer strings in the background, Wolves have had some unfair flack go their way.
It’s hard not to be charmed by their team though and I’ve have fallen into the habit of following their results rather closely. A team full of guile, speed and a wealth of experience have proved themselves not to be fazed against even the best opponent, as was the case against Manchester City.
Their guard may be down
Their style of play which is exuberant but sometimes a little naive – understandable for a newly promoted side - gives me the impression Wolves will feature in plenty of games where both teams get on the scoresheet.
Of course, this wasn’t the case a couple of weeks back against West Ham, as they executed their gameplan perfectly to look every inch a Premier League side. But I feel this is the type of game where their guard may be down and they could underestimate the threat posed by the visiting side.
Burnley
Out of Europe and with just a single point to their name from four games, it’s fair to say this campaign hasn’t started too well for Sean Dyche and Burnley. But it’s too early to write off last season’s overachievers, and their situation isn’t as bad it seems despite what the table says.
The international break came at the right time though and has ultimately given The Clarets the opportunity to recharge their batteries and reset their season.
Focus solely on matters domestically
Upon reflection, I think Sean Dyche will view their early Europa League exit as a blessing in disguise - Burnley’s squad was never going to be strong enough to cope with the gruelling schedule that competition brings – and leaves them to focus solely on matters domestically.
While they may not shoot up the league straight away, let’s not forget this same group of players managed to finish seventh last season, an achievement which has been easily cast aside by some but should not be sniffed at by any means.
Match Tip
Wolves going forwards really are eye catching but they have showed some vulnerability also and I expect Burnley to highlight this on Sunday afternoon.
It’s amazing how unfancied the visitors are with the bookies who seemed to have just taken their league position into account which will only improve now they’re out of Europe.
I can’t resist playing both teams to score in this one, which Betfair are offering considerable odds of 6/5 (2.2) on happening.
