Burnley are yet again overachieving in the Premier League, just like they did last season and so far talks of them being relegated are well off the mark. Swansea struggled at the start of last season, and although they survived in the Premier League, they failed to strengthen enough during the summer and that has put them in a poor position this season. This is a very important run for both of these teams, but for very different reasons. Burnley will know that a good spell before Christmas will put them all but safe, with half of the season remaining while Swansea know they need points to avoid being in the relegation fight once again.
English Premier League – Burnley vs Swansea City – Turf Moor – Saturday 18th November 2017 – 15:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 11/5 at Ladbrokes |
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Burnley
Swansea CityBurnley Form
Not many people will have expected to see Burnley in 7th position at this stage, but they have been fantastic so far. Alongside winning games, they have also managed to pick up plenty of draws and those regular points have kept them in their current position. They have lost just two games from their opening 11 and if they keep picking up regular points like that they will not have to think about relegation at all this season.
While Burnley will be thrilled with their defensive play so far, their goal scoring is a little concern and something that they would like to see improve in the future. Conceding nine goals in 11 games is a fantastic start for the defence, but scoring just 10 goals from 11 games is something they would no doubt love to improve on over the coming games. It has been a very impressive start for Burnley, they have found a way to pick points up on a regular basis and if they perform well in the run up to Christmas, they could secure safety at the half way stage in the season.
Swansea Form
I expected to see a lot more activity in the summer from Swansea, and that is what has put them in the position they are currently in. At this time last season they struggled and it was only a good second half that kept them safe. Those end of season performances made them forget how bad they were at the start of last season, but I am sure the club remembers now. I expect them to sign some additional help in the January transfer window, and based on what we have seen so far it is certainly something they need to do.
While their defence has played ok so far, it is in attack where they will be looking to improve over the coming games and where they will be targeting signings for in January. Just seven goals from 11 games is not good enough for Swansea to survive and that has to improve for them to move up the table. Losing Gylfi Sigurdsson was a huge blow for them in the summer and so far it is clear to see just how much he contributed to the team both with goals and assists.
Team News
Two strikers trying to make a name for themselves after performing well in the Championship will go head to head in this one. Chris Wood of Burnley has started Premier League life well, although not as well as Tammy Abraham of Swansea, and both will be looking to hit the net over the coming weeks. Abraham has recently made the England team and a good season for Swansea will see him book a place on the plane for Russia 2018 so he has another reason to perform well for Swansea.
Top Betting Tips
With the way Burnley have managed to pick up points against teams this season I think I would back them to pick something up against pretty much any team. With Swansea struggling this looks to be a great opportunity for Burnley to pick up another three vital points and priced up at 11/10 with Coral and Stan James I think they are a fantastic price to win the game and continue their good run.
Both teams are looking for more goals, but with that still to come I don’t expect to see many goals in this game and that favours the tight nature Burnley like to play their games in. With an impressive defensive set up and a great home Premier League record, Burnley are extremely tough to break down and I don’t think Swansea are capable of doing that, leaving Burnley with a great chance of winning the game.