It’s been a disappointing year for Burnley. The Clarets finished seventh in the table in 2017-18, and that led to the club qualifying for the Europa League for the first time ever. They nearly made it to the Europa League group stage, but they were sent out in the last play-in round, and that sent the club on a tumble. Burnley weren’t able to handle the load of playing in a far-flung European tournament combined with the rigors of Premier League play, and now they are just hoping to stay alive. They are desperate for points on the road against Brighton and Hove Albion this week.
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EPL Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Brighton and Hove Albion +106
Burnley +285
Draw +217
Over/Under 2
Odds Analysis
Brighton and Hove Albion are at the head of the bottom of the pack. They are five points behind 12th place West Ham United, but there are four teams between them and 18th place Cardiff City. Even with all that room for error, the Seagulls want to ensure their spot in next year’s Premier League as soon as they can. They know the magic number is 40, but they have had trouble getting the points they need. Brighton hasn’t won since knocking off Everton at the end of December, and the club suffered a tough defeat to Fulham last week.
The Clarets have done a great job over the last five weeks. Burnley have been able to pick up the results they need to stay out of the relegation zone, but they are still just two points in front of Cardiff City. They have notched a result in six straight matches with wins over West Ham, Huddersfield Town, and Fulham and draws against Watford, Manchester United, and Southampton.
Key Injuries
Jose Izquierdo continues to be out for Brighton. He suffered a knee injury in late December, and he is not expected back for another two weeks. Jason Steele has been ruled out of this match as well. Dale Stephens is questionable to play despite a hip injury, while Bernardo is probable to play through a thigh issue.
Burnley won’t have Jonathan Walters available again for another two months. Walters ruptured his Achilles tendon at the end of September, and he is slowly mending. No one has a date on when Aaron Lennon might return after undergoing knee surgery, and both Steven Defour and Matthew Lowton are doubtful for this game.
Player to Watch
Glenn Murray is Brighton’s leading scorer, and he will be out to make sure his efforts don’t go to waste this time around. Murray has notched 10 goals for the Seagulls this season, but his early double against Fulham went for naught after four Cottagers’ second half goals meant Brighton lost 4-2. He has been the only reliable offensive option for Brighton this season.
Previous Meeting
The last two meetings between these two sides have been low scoring. They played to a scoreless draw in late April of last campaign, and Burnley notched a 1-0 win over Brighton in early December thanks to a James Tarkowski goal.
Prop Bet – Under 0.5 First Half Goals +140
Both teams would like a result, but neither team would be too upset with a draw here. It would give both clubs some breathing room, and given their style of play, I don’t see the game being too exciting. Especially early on, I think both sides will have limited chances so a scoreless first half might be in the cards.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The Clarets have been playing solid football in recent weeks, and there is good value on them at this price. I think this will be a low-scoring game, so taking Burnley on the goal line or the three-way line has value.
English Premier League Odds: Burnley 1, Brighton and Hove Albion 0
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