In a clash of the teams in claret, Villa are the latest team to discover if they have what it takes to win at Turf Moor. Only Wigan have managed it so far with Premier League new-boys Burnley seeing off the challenge of everyone else, but Martin O’Neill’s side look like presenting one of their toughest assignments to date having knocked five past Bolton in their last game.

Quick Check

Burnley

  • Burnley have scored first in all six of their home games this season.
  • Kevin McDonald is pushing for a starting role after scoring as a substitute against Manchester City.
  • Owen Coyle’s side has dropped just three points out of 18 at Turf Moor so far.
  • Graham Alexander has scored his last 18 penalties, including three in his last two games.
  • Burnley are still without the services of McCann, Paterson and Rodriguez through injury.
  • The Clarets have conceded in their last nine matches.
  • Burnley have gone 43 games since their last goalless draw in the league.

Aston Villa

  • Striker Emile Heskey and defender James Collins are hoping for recalls after back and groin injuries.
  • Stilyan Petrov is expected to return in midfield after suspension.
  • Defender Habib Beye is also available again after a one-match ban.
  • Winger Ashley Young has scored in his last two games.
  • Martin O’Neill’s side has suffered just one defeat in their last seven games.
  • Villa have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six matches.
  • Defender Curtis Davies is still sidelined by long-term injury.

Expert Advice

Few would have predicted Burnley would lie tenth in the table after a third of the season and Owen Coyle’s side know they can move even higher with victory over fifth-placed Villa. Scoring first has been the key to the Clarets’ success at home and it could be a tough afternoon for the visitors if they repeat the formula on Saturday. Martin O’Neill’s side are playing at the top of their game going forward, though, with Agbonlahor, Carew, Ashley Young and Milner all a threat in their own right and they could have too many attacking options for the home side. An entertaining game looks in store and Betsson’s odds of 3.2 for there to be over 3.5 goals appears a value bet.

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