Leeds United got the better of Burnley last season to claim the Championship title on route to winning promotion back to the Premier League. Regaining their position in the top flight was enough for the Clarets, who, like Leeds, are now focussed on staying up.
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The Whites are doing a better job of that so far this campaign, but Burnley know a win this afternoon over Daniel Farke’s men will put them in a much healthier position, while also allowing them to cut the gap on an early-season relegation rival.
There wasn’t much to split the sides last season and there is an expectation from some that we will see something similar this campaign. So, how about today’s game at Turf Moor?
Here’s what the pundits have been saying, with not much expected to be between the sides.
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Chris Sutton, BBC Sport
“Burnley have been a bit unlucky to lose four out of four on the road so far, but they really need to get something at home, especially against another promoted team. The Clarets beat Sunderland at Turf Moor at the start of the season, which is their only league win to date.
“Scott Parker’s side have been competitive in most of their other games too but so have Leeds, who have scored the same amount of goals as Burnley – seven – but feel like they carry a bit more of a threat.
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“This is going to be very tight. I don’t like going for too many draws, but this fixture finished 0-0 in the Championship last season and I am going for the same outcome this time.”
Paul Merson
Writing for Sportskeeda, Merson said: “A Leeds United win would send them seven points clear of Burnley and the relegation zone. If Burnley get three points, they are just a point behind Leeds! That explains how much of a high-stakes clash this is for both teams.
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“I don’t think Burnley have got going just yet. There’s only four points between them and Leeds, but honestly, there’s a lot between the sides if you look at just performances. Leeds have comfortably been the better side out of the two so far this season.
“If Leeds perform like they did against Wolves, they win this game. Purely based on the first seven games this season, Leeds have proved they have what it takes to survive in the Premier League, unlike Burnley.
“But if I’m being very honest, I can’t pick a clear winner here. And if it ends up being a draw like I think, both Burnley and Leeds will be in that bottom five or six all season!”
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Troy Deeney
“Burnley have to get off to the races, have to get these points against Leeds. But I fancy Leeds to be too big, too strong, too powerful. So, I’m going to go for a 2-1 Leeds win.”
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