Match Preview: Burnley vs Sunderland

The Premier League Matchday 2 fixture between Burnley and Sunderland is scheduled for August 23rd at Turf Moor. This preview offers an in-depth look at both teams, along with our unique prediction and betting tips, including statistics and key odds.

Burnley’s Current Form and Challenges

For the fifth consecutive time, Burnley has kicked off their Premier League campaign with a defeat, this time falling 0-3 to Tottenham away from home. Scott Parker’s squad significantly trailed the Londoners in possession, yet they were not far behind in other critical aspects of the game against the Europa League winners. Nevertheless, Burnley’s winless streak in the Premier League has now extended to five matches (comprising 1 draw and 4 losses). Additionally, the team has conceded goals in 21 consecutive top-flight matches in England.

Burnley Key Statistical Insights

• Both teams have found the net in 6 of the club’s last 7 league matches.
• At their home ground, Burnley has managed only 1 victory in their last 11 Premier League matches (3 draws and 7 defeats).
• The team has failed to score more than 1 goal in 9 of their last 11 home fixtures in the Premier League.

Burnley’s Predicted Starting Lineup (5-4-1)*

Martin Dubravka – Kyle Walker, Kwilindsi Hartman, Maxime Esteve, Oliver Sonne, Hjalmar Ekdal – Aníbal Mejbri, Josh Cullen, Joshua Laurent, Jadon Anthony – Lyle Foster.

Burnley’s Injury Update

Defender Bashir Humphreys and forward Zeki Amdouni are expected to miss the match due to injuries.

Sunderland’s Strong Return to the Top Flight

Sunderland makes their return to England’s top football division after an eight-year absence, and their comeback was certainly surprising. The club dominated perennial Premier League participant West Ham with a convincing 3-0 victory at home. All three of Sunderland’s goals were scored in the second half, showcasing high efficiency in converting scoring opportunities. Notably, in this match, both clubs’ xG (expected goals) figures did not even reach one goal each, standing at 0.68:0.56.

Sunderland Key Statistical Insights

• In their last 10 matches across the Premier League and Championship, the club has secured only 3 victories (1 draw and 6 defeats).
• At least one team has failed to score in 10 of Sunderland’s last 13 games in these two competitions.
• Exactly two or three goals were scored in 7 of their previous 9 away matches in the Premier League and Championship.

Sunderland’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-3-3)*

Robin Ruffs – Daniel Ballard, Jensen Selt, Reinildo Mandava, Trai Hume – Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra – Simon Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi, Eliezer Mayenda.

Match Official Spotlight: Michael Salisbury

Michael Salisbury (England)

Salisbury’s Refereeing Statistics (2024/25 Premier League)

Matches officiated – 14;

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 38;

Average yellow cards per match – 2.7;

Red cards shown – 3;

Average fouls per match – 22;

Burnley vs Sunderland: Our Expert Prediction

Among the three newly promoted teams this season, Scott Parker’s side is the only one yet to register any points or score a single goal. In this encounter between two newly promoted Premier League clubs, the hosts have a strong opportunity to secure their first points of the campaign. In the previous Championship season, Burnley suffered only two defeats in 46 matches and remained unbeaten at home, with 14 wins and 9 draws. Conversely, even in England’s second tier, Sunderland managed only 9 wins in 23 away matches (along with 6 draws and 8 losses).

Furthermore, I anticipate this match to be a low-scoring affair. This was precisely the outcome of the three previous head-to-head encounters between these rivals in the Championship, with a total of just one goal scored across all games. Therefore, for the upcoming clash, I propose a combined prediction: “1X (Burnley Win or Draw) and Under 2.5 Goals” with odds of 2.11.

* The starting lineup listed for each team refers to their previous match in this tournament.