Burnley V Everton

English Premiership 2009/2010

Burnley V Everton

Kick-Off: Sunday ^23rd August – 15:00 GMT 

Venue: Turf Moor

Everton were one of just four teams to receive the week off but they were still in action as they played their first game in europe in a Europa League qualifier on Thursday. Burnley, however, will be in a euphoric mood after completing the shock of the season after victory at home to Manchester United on Wednesday. Before that stunning result for Burnley many would have seen this as an away victory for Everton but who would back against Burnley now after their midweek heroics? Certainly not us, that’s for sure.

You literally couldn’t make this stuff up. Burnley’s inaugural home game in the Premiership just had to be celebrated in fine style but when they knew it was against last seasons champions, their hopes and expectations must have deflated. However, they defied the huge odds and pulled off what will be remembered as the shock of the season despite the 2009/2010 league campaign being just two games old. Now they’ve recorded an historic victory over the ‘Red Devils’, Owen Coyle’s men will be under the spotlight this weekend and will be expected to push David Moyes and his Everton side close on Saturday.

Although Burnley did secure a sublime result against Manchester United in midweek, they did put in two contrasting performances within the space of a few days. They were outfought and, in some aspects, outplayed by Stoke City at The Brittania last Saturday and fully deserved to get beat that day but their efforts and work rate on Wednesday was terrific. Not only did they put in a resilient defensive display but they also looked a huge threat on the break. That result and display from Burnley has let everyone know that Burnley aren’t in the Premiership just to make up the numbers.

David Moyes has his work cut out at Goodison now after Joleon Lescott’s transfer request has upset the ranks. It was clear the England international wasn’t interested on Saturday when Everton were humbled by Arsenal at Goodison and his willingness to work for the cause flowed through the rest of the squad like swine flu. Moyes needs to ship Lescott off to City before the defender does more harm then good as one bad apple will only damage the batch.

For now, David Moyes will be concentrating on achieving Everton’s first victory of the season as he prepares his squad for the trip to Burnley. A venue which has recently taken the scalp of the current league champions in Manchester United. David Moyes will be fully aware of his opponents midweek success but will be hoping he can use that to his advantage. If Burnley let their victory over United get to their heads then you can rest assured that Moyes will be the first one to capitalize on Burnley’s lack of Premiership experience.  

Head-to-Head:

This will be the very first Premiership fixture between the two. What’s more, these two teams haven’t even had the honour of playing each other in a competitive fixture in recent years so it could be a case of who gets to know one another faster.

Match Verdict: Burnley and Everton to settle for a point – 23/10 Boylesports

Burnley fans will be buoyed by their teams midweek win over the champions but they have to take one game at a time if they want to survive at this level. Everton on the other hand could be seen as a wounded animal after being on the wrong end of a thrashing last weekend. Both sides will be craving a victory and the pair will eye this game as one they could both win. Who will? Well, we aren’t too sure and actually think they could cancel each other out and sleep happy on Saturday night knowing they picked up a share of the spoils.

Match Odds:

Burnley – 13/6 Bet365

Everton – 5/4 SkyBet

Draw - 23/10 PaddyPower

SoccerBetting Tip: 1-1 Correct Score – 6/1 SkyBet