13 December 2021, 13:47 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Clarets are back for this mid-week relegation clash with the Hornets, having escaped with a point against West Ham in the Clash of the Clarets. Burnley FC vs. Watford FC kicks off at 20:30 (GMT+1) on Wednesday, December 15, at Turf Moor. Referee Martin Atkinson has been selected as the first official, while Stuart Attwell will be the VAR.
Preview Burnley Premier League, Dec 15, 2021
Preview Burnley, having only one shot on target over the course of the ninety, were more focused on keeping West Ham, who took 16 shots (3 O.T.), out of Nick Pope’s hair at Turf Moor. The resilient defending helped mitigate the danger as Burnley absorbed the hammering, with Man-of-the-Match Nick Pope called to answer on two notable occasions. We'll take a point, Sean Dyche said in his post-match interview. West Ham are a decent outfit. We weren't near the mark in the first half. [We] looked nervous, anxious, but I thought the crowd were brilliant, he added. The second half was a lot better, not enough to win the game, but better. I'm pleased with the players coming on and affecting it, the Burnley boss included. The draw was the fourth of its kind for Sean Dyche and Burnley, DDDLD, as the Clarets continue to drift in relegation waters. In 18th place, with 11 points after 1W, 8D, & 6L, Burnley are two points short of safety with 17th placed Watford just above. Wednesday’s fixture against the Hornets presents a fine opportunity to trade places. A 4—4—2 formation with Chris Wood and Jay Rodriguez is expected from Sean Dyche on Wednesday. On availability, Ashley Barnes remains doubtful, along with Maxwel Cornet (COVID-19).
Preview Watford Premier League, Dec 15, 2021
Preview Watford will be returning with four defeats in a row, WLLLL, following the 2-1 loss to Brentford on Friday. A fine header from Emmanuel Dennis (24’) saw Watford take the lead before an equally fantastic header from Pontus Jansson (84') restored parity at the Brentford Community stadium. A draw appeared to be on the horizon until a careless challenge in the box left Brentford with the penalty. Bryan Mbeumo (90’+6 P.) stepped up and converted to see the Hornets leave with an empty basket. It's unbelievable because we were winning 1-0 and we had the chance to score the second goal and finish the match, Claudio Ranieri said after the game. At the end, we made three mistakes for the penalty. We have to say Brentford deserved to win. Well done to them, he added. Having 13 points from 4W, 1D, and 11L, Claudio Ranieri must avoid defeat to keep his place above the troubled waters of the English Premier League. The Watford boss adopted the 4—2—3—1 for that game against Brentford and is expected to stick with the same formation on Wednesday.