Burnley v Watford: Dangerous Hornets can maintain away form with Clarets success

Burnley v Watford
Saturday, 15:00

Burnley flourishing under Dyche

It has been an exceptional start to the season for Burnley with Sean Dyche's sideconsistently making a mockery of their odds and the expectations of a relegation battle. The Clarets struggled for wins away last season but a run of superb results on the road have helped them into seventh position - level on points with last year's runners-up Tottenham. An opening day win at champions Chelsea emphasised the huge progress made by the team and draws at Spurs and Liverpool have followed.

Burnley have based most of their success this season on defensive solidity and organisation, with the team only conceding 12 goals in 15 games which is a record only bettered by Manchester City and Man United. Goals have been hard to come by, netting only 14, but the Clarets have still managed seven league wins already with all bar one of them coming by a one-goal margin.

Hornets continuing to impress

But Burnley have not been the only surprise success story of the season so far with Watford handily perched just three points below them in eighth. Marco Silva's reputation continues to rise after introducing an entertaining brand of football at Vicarage Road since taking charge this summer. The Hornets managed to fend off the interest of Everton but it seems only a matter of time before another big club comes calling for his services.

Watford have already beaten Arsenal at home and held Tottenham and Liverpool to draws. Their best form has been away from home with their pacy, counter-attacking style ideally suited to catching teams out. Attacker Richarlison has been a revelation in his first season in English football while midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has been one of their most impressive performers having added goals to his box-to-box game.

Watford offer value for another away win

It can often be said Burnley have been under-rated by the layers with their odds often extremely generous. But this is not the case this weekend with Dyche's side offering little in the way of value at just 2.58. The Clarets have lost two of their last three games and are no bargain to claim victory over a dangerous Watford side.

The Hornets are a tempting proposition at 3.15 with the team already claiming four wins from their seven away matches this season. Backing Watford on the road has been a very profitable policy recently and there is no reason to go against this betting strategy this weekend. There is much more appeal in siding with them than the hosts at the prices.

The draw is on offer at 3.30 and this has to come under consideration. Both teams have been held four times in the league this season and four of the last six clashes between the sides have ended in stalemates. Overall, Watford appeal but with the history between the teams it could be worth backing them in the draw no bet market at 2.20.

Hornets can maintain scoring streak on road

Watford's record away from home this season has been extremely impressive and the common denominator is their scoring ability. The Hornets have netted at least two goals in every away match which includes at Chelsea when they caused havoc at Stamford Bridge. Only Liverpool and Man City have scored more on the road and Watford look a value bet at 2/1 to score at least two goals and maintain their potent attacking form.

Opta Stat

Richarlison has been involved in seven goals in seven Premier League away appearances for Watford this season so far, scoring four and providing three assists. The Brazilian can be backed at 12/5 to net another goal this weekend.

Ref Watch

Lee Probert takes charge of this weekend's match and the referee has sent off three players this season. Probert dismissed four players during 31 games in the previous campaign.

Recommended Bets
Back Watford draw no bet at 2.20
Back Watford to score two or more goals @ 2/1