Burnley vs West Bromwich Albion. Premier League.
Turf MoorAttendance20,825.
Saturday 6 May 2017 14:01, UK
Michael Keane is doubtful for Burnley as they look for their first Premier League win against West Brom on Saturday.
The 24-year-old has caught the eye with his defensive performances for the Clarets this term, but has picked up a knock that could see him miss the Turf Moor clash.
Burnley will also be hunting their first top-flight victory against the Baggies, having drawn one and lost two of the previous three meetings.
They face a West Brom side who are in the middle of a barren run in front of goal, having failed to score in five consecutive Premier League games for the first time and their drought currently standing at 465 minutes.
The Baggies last scored in their 3-1 victory against Arsenal in the middle of March and have lost their last four league games in the top flight.
Along with Keane's potential absence, his central-defensive partner Ben Mee (shin) is still doubtful having missed out against Crystal Palace.
Sean Dyche is hopeful that Stephen Ward and George Boyd (both knee) will be able to feature as the Clarets look to secure their safety.
West Brom are without Hal Robson-Kanu and Matt Phillips for their trip to Burnley as the pair continue to struggle with hamstring injuries.
Jonathan Leko and Sam Field could feature as Pulis looks to give the club's youngsters a chance with the Baggies eighth in the Premier League.
West Brom have averaged 3.3 goals per game against Burnley in the Premier League (10 goals in 3 games); their best-such record versus an opposition side in the competition.
West Brom need five more points to equal their best Premier League points return in a season (49), but claimed just one point in April towards their current tally, losing each of their last four.
Burnley won their first away game of the season in the last round of matches, and just their fifth away Premier League win overall - none of their previous four wins on the road has been followed by a victory in their next PL game (D2 L2).
Burnley have two home matches remaining in the Premier League this season and currently have 32 points at Turf Moor. The Premier League record in a 38-game season for home points by a newly-promoted side is 38 points; set by both Ipswich Town & Charlton Athletic in 2000-01.
This is already Burnley's best Premier League season in terms of points won (39) and wins (11) and looks likely to be the first top-flight season that they haven't been relegated since 1974-75.
Ashley Barnes' goal against Crystal Palace in their last game took his Premier League total for Burnley to 11 - no player has scored more in the competition for the Clarets (Danny Ings also 11).
While it would take a huge swing for Burnley to go down, they are not mathematically safe just yet. This represents a good chance for them to put this right but I'm predicting this one to be a tight game. West Brom have run out of luck. They've lost a few games 1-0 and I think they've haven't had a lot of luck in those games. They've made chances, they haven't been blown away in games and they are not playing as badly as their results would lead us to think.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (9/2 with Sky Bet)
Burnley are Sky Bet's 6/5 favourites with West Brom priced at 5/2 while the draw is a 2/1 chance. Goals are expected to be at a premium at Turf Moor, with three or more 6/4 in the under/over 2.5 goals markets. Andre Gray (5/1) is closely followed by Ashley Barnes and Sam Vokes (both 11/2) in a wide-open first goalscorer market, while Salomon Rondon is considered the visitors' main threat at 6/1 despite his lack of goals.
Burnley v West Brom is included in this weekend's Super 6 line-up, with £250,000 up for grabs again following jackpot wins in the last two rounds. Enter your predictions for free here.
