Burnley v Watford preview: Andre Gray to make Turf Moor return
Saturday 9 December 2017 14:34, UK
Andre Gray will return to Turf Moor as Watford travel to Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday.
The striker spent two seasons with the Clarets before leaving last summer to become Watford's club-record signing.
While Gray has only found the net twice this season, the Hornets have still been in impressive form and, along with Burnley, are one of the surprise packages in the Premier League.
Burnley start the weekend seventh in the table, three points ahead of Marco Silva's Watford.
"I think both teams are having fantastic seasons," said Silva. "Very good starts. Of course myself and Sean Dyche want to continue in the same way.
"They are a team that is challenging in the match in every moment. We must play in a very good level to take a good result. We must not only play well, but we need to compete really well to take a good result."
Burnley have only suffered two defeats from their previous six league matches, while Watford have taken seven points from their last four games.
Team news
Burnley must find a replacement for Robbie Brady, who is set for a six-month lay-off following a knee injury.
Scott Arfield is the likeliest beneficiary while Ben Mee is a doubt after a knock required stitches above the knee, Matt Lowton looks set to miss a third game and Dean Marney, Jon Walters (both knee) and Tom Heaton (shoulder) are all recovering.
Silva will take a late decision on the fitness of Miguel Britos, who has not featured for the Hornets since he picked up a knock in the second half of the win at Newcastle last month.
Isaac Success returned to training this week following a leg injury, but the game at Turf Moor will come too soon for the striker. Will Hughes and Younes Kaboul (both hamstring), and Craig Cathcart and Nathaniel Chalobah (both knee) remain unavailable.
Opta stats
Burnley and Watford have met just twice previously in the top flight, with both sides winning one match apiece last season.
Watford are winless in nine league visits to Turf Moor (D4 L5) since a 3-2 win in April 2004, a match in which Sean Dyche played for Watford.
Burnley have kept four clean sheets at home in the Premier League this season, conceding just three goals and never more than once in a match.
After a run of six away league games without a goal, Watford have scored at least twice in each of their last eight Premier League away games (once last season, and all seven this term).
Watford have used the most players in the Premier League this season (26), while Burnley have used the fewest in the competition after 15 games in 2017-18 (18).
Richarlison has been involved in seven goals in seven Premier League away appearances for Watford this season so far (four goals, three assists).
Merson's prediction
This is such a tough one to call. Watford are really good away from home and Burnley haven't been as good at home, so you'd expect an away win, but I think Burnley will sneak this one.
Burnley are just solid. They have had some really good results, so they are so hard to bet against. They are going to get it right at home soon.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-0 (6/1 with Sky Bet)
Betting
Burnley are Sky Bet's 6/4 favourites for the victory with Watford priced at 19/10 while the draw is a 11/5 chance. Goalscorer favourite Chris Wood is enhanced from 7/2 to 9/2 to score first in Sky Bet's Price Boosts, while Andre Gray is considered the visitors' main threat at 11/2 to net first.
