Burnley return to Turf Moor for their first Premier League home game of the season, eager to bounce back after being outclassed 3-0 by Tottenham in the first game of the season, burnley know they must make Turf Moor a fortress if they are to survive, especially after winning only two home games during their last time out in the top flight.
Encouragingly, they were unbeaten at home throughout their Championship campaign last season, picking up 14 wins and nine draws, including an impressive run of eight wins from their last nine home league matches. That run of form now needs to translate to the Premier League stage.
A spark of inspiration may be required from Jaidon Anthony, whose goals have proven decisive in the past Burnley have won all seven games in which he has scored. Armando Broja, the club’s headline summer signing, missed the trip to Spurs as he builds match fitness, but his return could inject much-needed firepower.
With the Clarets also guilty of being caught offside four times on opening day a joint league high there is room for improvement in their attacking sharpness.
Confirmed Burnley XI posted on their official X handle : Dubravka, Walker, Esteve, Ekdal, Hartman, Bruun Larsen, Cullen, Ugochukwu, Hannibal, Anthony, Foster.
Sunderland, meanwhile, arrive in buoyant mood after making a dream return to the Premier League with a 3-0 win over West Ham. Régis Le Bris’ side briefly sat second in the table, only behind Manchester City, and the Frenchman will know that back-to-back wins to open the season would send out a powerful statement, especially against a fellow newly-promoted rival.
A victory here would also give the Black Cats a six-point cushion over Burnley, which could prove psychologically valuable in the battle for survival.
Wilson Isidor will be one to watch after scoring against West Ham, continuing his trend of netting five of his last six goals after half-time. However, Sunderland travel with history against them they haven’t won at Turf Moor since March 2005, drawing four and losing two since then.
Their recent away record in the Premier League is also patchy, with none of their last 17 away games ending level (W3, L14), while clean sheets have been rare, with just one shutout in their last nine competitive fixtures.
Sunderland will once again be without experienced defender Luke O’Nien, who is sidelined following shoulder surgery. Régis Le Bris is expected to field a similar lineup to the one that dismantled West Ham, with new signing Adingra pushing for involvement from the bench.
Confirmed Sunderland XI posted their official X handle : Roefs, Hume, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo, Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra, Talbi, Adingra, Mayenda.
