Neil Warnock will take charge of his first home game in his second stint as Palace boss as we welcome the arrival of Premier League new boys Burnley.
Sean Dyche’s men have (in similar fashion to Palace) only claimed a solitary point from their first three games. Last week they secured a home draw with a struggling Manchester United side. The Clarets are undertaking what is only their second ever campaign in the Premier League. In their last appearance they suffered relegation in the 2009/10 season and have never met the Eagles in a top flight match before.
Many tip Burnley for the same fate as their last foray in England’s top flight as favourites for relegation. Sean Dyche has brought in only five players with only three of those having any previous Premier League experience at all. Their leading goalscorer from last season Danny Ings is yet to open his Premier League account and will look to do so on Saturday against an Eagles defence who have shipped eight goals already.
Palace will be looking to earn their first win of the season after an enthralling 3-3 draw at Newcastle United last Saturday when Palace fan favourite Wilfried Zaha secured a last gasp 95th minute equaliser that shared the spoils. Boss Neil Warnock acquired four players on transfer deadline day with the arrival of Zeki Fryers, James McCarthur, Kevin Doyle and returning Palace hero Andrew Johnson.
Team News
Burnley
Sam Vokes is still sidelined through injury for the trip to Palace and Danny Ings is also a doubt but should be fit to feature. Dyche is expected to keep faith with the eleven players that managed the draw with United which means new signings George Boyd, Nathaniel Chalobah and Michael Keane may all have to settle for a place on the bench.
No other injury concerns for Burnley who will have a near fully fit squad for this one.
Crystal Palace
Neil Warnock will be without striker Marouane Chamakh who is set to miss the next three weeks with a hamstring injury. Other international Eagles returned from duty unscathed including Welsh midfielder Joe Ledley who managed to feature for Wales even though he missed the last two Palace games. New signing James McCarthur could make his debut along with Zeki Fryers who could slot in at left back allowing Joel Ward to continue in midfield.
Analysis and Predictions
Prediction for Burnley – 20th
Scoring goals is going to be the major concern for Burnley as the lack of Premier League experience in the squad will take its toll over the season. Sean Dyche has been busy adding to his squad this summer with six players such as Steven Reid, Matt Taylor and Marvin Sordell already moving to Turf Moor. Kieran Trippier and Danny Lafferty have signed new contracts with the club.
Five years ago, Burnley were obviously lacking a little bit of know-how at this level. It is incredibly tough to win any match in the Barclays Premier League as they found out. They were terrific at home and abysmal away where they took only four points all season. Their away record will have to improve vastly if survival is going to be possible.
However, with the lack of decent Premier League standard players in the Burnley squad apart from Steven Reid and Matty Taylor, it is difficult to see them surviving this season in a league that is becoming more and more competitive than it was last time they were in the top flight, togetherness and unity will be the key. A little more discipline this time round will prove Burnley are harder to beat.
EPL Index prediction – draw
Who Scored prediction – home win
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson prediction – home win
My prediction – home win
