Aston Villa vs Burnley preview, predictions & team news
Burnley are among a host of Premier League clubs that have made the definition of a mixed start to the season, winning two, drawing two and losing two of their six games so far.
Aston Villa would be pleased to have made such a start. Dean Smith’s side have lost four of their first six matches back in the top-flight, winning just one.
The newly-promoted Villains fell to a late defeat at Arsenal last time out, so they will be determined to get three points on the board when Burnley come to town on Saturday.
Read on for our preview, predictions, key men, teams news and more.
When is Aston Villa vs Burnley and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Villa Park
Date: Saturday, 28 September 2019
Kick-off: 3:00 PM BST
TV coverage (UK): N/A
Last five meetings: Aston Villa vs Burnley
24 May 2015: Aston Villa 0-1 Burnley (Premier League)
29 November 2014: Burnley 1-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)
27 October 2010: Aston Villa 2-1 Burnley (League Cup)
21 February 2010: Aston Villa 5-2 Burnley (Premier League)
21 November 2009: Burnley 1-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)
Aggregate Score: Aston Villa (LDWWD) 9-6 Burnley (WDLLD)
Ones to watch
Aston Villa: Jack Grealish
Grealish bagged his second goal of the season against Brighton in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night but he is yet to register in the Premier League. However, he has provided two assists and created 14 chances, making him Villa’s most productive player. It’s now time for the 24-year-old to up the ante and get Villa through a difficult home game, as he did so often last season. If Grealish is on song, Villa could soar against Burnley.
Key stat: No player has been fouled more often than Jack Grealish in the Premier League this season (23).
Burnley: Ashley Barnes
Ashley Barnes started the season superbly, scoring four goals in the first three games of the new Premier League season. However, he has now drawn a blank in his last three league appearances, so he’ll be eager to get back on track by finding the net against Aston Villa. Barnes could be a genuine contender for the Golden Boot – albeit an outside bet – if he stays fit, but his mini-drought must come to an end as soon as possible if he is to keep pace with the leading strikers.
Key stat: Only Sergio Aguero (25) has registered more shots than Ashley Barnes (21) in the Premier League this term.
Team news
Aston Villa
Matt Targett returned from injury against Brighton in midweek, though he may only make the bench on Saturday. Jonathan Kodjia, James Chester and Henri Lansbury are all still out.
Predicted XI: Heaton; Guilbert, Engels, Mings, Taylor; McGinn, Nakamba, Grealish; Trezeguet, Wesley, El Ghazi.
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Burnley
Sean Dyche has confirmed Johann Berg Gudmundsson will make his return from a calf injury but he may only make the bench after strong showings from Jeff Hendrick and Dwight McNeil on the wings last time out. McNeil has been struggling with a slight knock but has returned to training ahead of the Villa game.
Predicted XI: Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters; Hendrick, Westwood, Cork, McNeil; Barnes, Wood.
Squawka prediction
Villa are due a league win after some rotten luck at Tottenham and Arsenal on the road. Home comforts should give them a confidence boost against Burnley, who will pose a threat but may ultimately come undone in the Midlands.
Scoreline prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Burnley
