Burnley are somewhere in the middle of the top half and the bottom half of the table and they will have a chance to burst into the top ten when they face Bournemouth, regardless of the other fixtures having to go their way.
Away form hasn’t been convincing for the Clarets but they did register their first win away from home against Crystal Palace. After passing the acid test against West Bromwich Albion with flying colours, they already have achieved their pre-season target of 40 points and a win in the remaining matches could send them upwards in the Premier League table.
Home form has been so good for Burnley that even in the midst of defeats they have been able to pull victory after victory at the Turf Moor. Although relegation fear is not hovering around them for the time being but with a number of teams on the same points they cannot take any risks. The Clarets have not lost a match in the last seven games against the Cherries in all competitions.
Predicted 4-4-2 Burnley Lineup against Watford
Defence
Tom Heaton has been the best thing that has happened to the Clarets in this season. The 31-year-old shot-stopper has been a one man army in the Clarets goal and without him, Burnley could have been in a lot more trouble.
Burnley’s strong point has been their defence. The pair of Michael Keane and Ben Mee stood tall to put a barrier before the goal but both the players are currently injured and therefore Kevin Long and James Tarkowski will be the new partners in the defence. They have played in a couple of matches together and it shouldn’t be a problem for them.
Stephen Ward and Matthew Lowton will be in the charge of the two sides of the defence.
Midfield
The ban on Joey Barton by FA for allegedly violating betting rules has made the way for Ashley Westwood in the starting lineup. Westwood will try to contain the Bournemouth attackers from going further in the attacking third. Jeff Hendrick will be the other midfielder who will be looking to create chances.
Attack
George Boyd will be in his usual right-wing role while Scott Arfield will grace the left wing.
Sam Vokes scored a brace in the last match and he is certain to feature in the next match. Ashley Barnes will be his strike partner.
