Prediction: Cardiff vs Burnley

Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: Bet365

Two sides in desperate need of a morale boost, Sean Dyche’s Burnley side will travel to Wales on Sunday afternoon when they face off against the Bluebirds at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Cardiff

Starting with the newly promoted Cardiff, after a serious lack of spending over the summer, many have Neil Warnock’s side tipped to drop straight back down to the Championship. In what has been a torrid start to the new season, Cardiff are one of just three teams still looking for their first win of the season. Coming off the back of an expected 5-0 hammering at home to defending Champions Manchester City, the Bluebirds have now lost their last four on the bounce, including crashing out of the EFL Cup at the hands of a 3-1 loss to Championship outfit Norwich. Only picking up a pair of lackluster 0-0 draws against both Newcastle and Huddersfield, the two sides who currently join them in the relegation zone, Cardiff also now hold the joint worst defensive record in the Premier League, the hosts have also shipped nine in their last two top-flight outings.

Team News

Cardiff City right-back Lee Peltier dislocated his shoulder against Manchester City last weekend and faces up to three months out.

Aron Gunnarsson remains sidelined with a knee injury but Sol Bamba is expected to return in defence.

Burnley

As for Sean Dyche’s Clarets, although it was a record-breaking season last time out for Burnley, European football has clearly come back to haunt them. With a lack of any real pre-season, the visitors came crashing out of the Europa League at the hands of Olympiakos last month and Burnley have managed to now pick up just one win in their last eight matches in all competitions. While many around Turf Moor would have hoped their 4-0 win over Bournemouth last weekend could help them re-find their form, the Clarets slipped back to their old way in midweek. Despite leading in the EFL Cup against lower league Burton Albion, Burnley’s strong XI slumped to a very disappointing 2-1 loss. Crashing out of yet another Cup competition on Tuesday, the Clarets’ form on the road will be a huge worry for Dyche. They have failed to win a competitive match on the road since April, they have also lost their last four on the bounce.

Team News

Burnley midfielder Steven Defour could feature, having played his first game since January in Tuesday’s League Cup defeat against Burton Albion.

Robbie Brady and Ben Gibson remain unavailable due to injury.

Key Factors to Consider

• The last three meetings between the two sides have ended a draw.
• Cardiff have now conceded 12 in their last three Premier League games.
• The Bluebirds also hold the joint worst attacking stats in the division.
• Burnley have lost their last four away matches on the bounce.
• They are also yet to record a clean sheet away from Turf Moor in 2018.

Conclusion

If you’re a fan of goals and open football, this probably isn’t the match for you. Two sides who are currently enduring terrible starts to the new season across all competitions, on paper, it has all the makings of a stalemate. Given Cardiff’s torrid record in South Wales and Burnley’s woeful record away from Turf Moor, we’re backing these two to play out their fourth consecutive draw.

Verdict: Draw

Best Odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: Bet365