BURNLEY v MIDDLESBROUGH
nPower Championship
Tuesday 19th April 2011 – Kickoff 7.45pm
Burnley take on an improving Middlesbrough side when the two sides clash on Tuesday night at Turf Moor in a match that Burnley will have to make their game in hand count by taking all three points.
The Clarets will be keen to record back-to-back victories at home in order to keep alive their slim play-off hopes and build on their fantastic 2-1 win over Swansea City at the weekend. The Clarets halted a three match winless streak that had previously seen them lose to Millwall and Ipswich Town and draw against perennial party-poopers Coventry City.
Nevertheless, the Clarets possess a strong home record which stands at 11-4-5 35/27, and is built around leading scorer Jay Rodriguez (12 goals, 2 assists), Scottish striker Chris Iwelumo (11 goals, 2 assists) and ex-Manchester United creative midfielder Chris Eagles (8 goals, 8 assists).
Burnley have lost to Middlesbrough at home just once in their last four meetings at Turf Moor and will be looking to avenge a 1-2 defeat at the Riverside earlier in the season.
Middlesbrough apparently will have low motivation when they travel to Lancashire as another opportunity to bounce back into the Premiership passes them by for another season. There were great expectations pre-season of Boro returning to the big time but Strachan’s poor start to the campaign ultimately cost him his job and Boro promotion.
They are currently 10 points above Scnthorpe United who occupy the final relegation spot, and their home form should be enough to keep any late unexpected relegation worries from their door.
However, their away form has not been great in general, but did pick up a vital win at Sheffield United a couple of weeks ago. Boro’s away record stands at a disappointing 5-4-11 23/31, and it seems a little contradictory given they drew 3-3 with Ipswich Town in their last away match, but they appear a little light in attack without leading scorer Leroy Lita (injured) and Kris Boyd (now with Nottingham Forest).
Tubby Australian scot Scott McDonald (8 goals, 4 assists) has found his scoring touch lately and will need to be watched carefully. Midfielder Julio Arca (8 assists) is their creative outlet.
The Verdict: I feel that Burnley might have turned the corner following their impressive win over Swansea, and throw in the possibility of still making the play-offs I reckon they’re good value for another three points. Burnley to win 2-1.
Main Pick: Burnley @ 1.95 Sportingbet looks great value – get on board!
