please log in to view this image BURNLEY v WATFORD please log in to view this image Turf Moor December 21st 2024 Kick Off 1500 GMT please log in to view this image The last game before Christmas, and with two teams near the top of the Championship, this could be a cracker. please log in to view this image Scott Parker, who replaced Vincent Kompany in the summer, has made his Burnley side a tough team to beat, demonstrated by the fact that they have lost just two of their 21 games in the second tier (W11, D8). A 2-1 victory over Norwich extended Burnley's unbeaten run to eight matches and moved the third-placed side to within a point of Leeds United in second position. Burnley will now look to maintain their unbeaten home record in Saturday's tricky clash against Watford, but while they are yet to lose at Turf Moor this season, they have been frustrated by five draws in their 10 home encounters. Burnley's success has been built upon a strong backline which has conceded just eight league goals this season, leaving them with the best defensive record in the division. please log in to view this image Tom Cleverley's side are currently enjoying a fine run of form, having won three and drawn three of their last six matches since they lost 1-0 to Swansea City on November 5. Cleverley was delighted to see his side return to winning ways in their recent home clash against West Bromwich Albion, with Vakoun Issouf Bayo netting a brace in a 2-1 victory. That result maintained Watford's unbeaten record at Vicarage Road this season, having now won eight and drawn two of their 10 home league games, leaving them with the third-best home record in the second tier. The Hornets, who are sitting outside the top six on goal difference, will be hoping to carry some of that onto their travels after winning just two of their 10 away Championship matches this season (D2, L6). Team News The hosts remain without the services of Aaron Ramsey, Manuel Benson and Jordan Beyer due to their respective injury issues. Lyle Foster is back in training following a spell on the sidelines, but the striker will not be ready to feature in Saturday's squad. Defender Maxime Esteve and attacker Jeremy Sarmiento will have to be assessed after they were forced off in the win over Norwich. As yet there are no reports of new injuries for Watford, and TC says he will put out the strongest team possible. Our Officials JAMES LININGTON please log in to view this image Mark Dwyer and Matthew McGrath Fourth Official : Robert Madley Joyeux Noël. Frohe Weinachten. Feliz Navidad. Buon Natale. .
Nice one! Looking forward to this a good time for me here. 9am, watch the game, get some good brunch in after, then watch the full card for Fury. Then got an Xmas party with the Mrs' fam here. She has 9 brothers and sisters; all are going and some have kids that have kids. I am guessing about 40 plus people including littleuns!
Centre-back Angelo Ogbonna returns to contention and is available for selection at Turf Moor. The Italian has not featured since the trip to Luton Town on October 19 due to a hamstring issue. Imrân Louza missed training through illness, but is expected to be available for Burnley.
