Burnley
Burnley vs Swansea City – Match preview and predicted line-ups
This is only the third meeting between these two sides in the Premier League, Swansea won both of the previous encounters 1-0 – during the 2014/15 season. In fact those two 90 minutes are the only historic fixtures between the Clarets and the Swans to take place in the top flight of English football.
Burnley secured an instant return to the top flight finishing as Champions with an impressive 93 points. This was vindication of the decision to retain the services of Sean Dyche after relegation in 2015. Swansea are now entering their sixth consecutive Premier League season, and will be hoping for an improvement on last year’s 12th place finish, with new boss Francesco Guidolin at the helm.
Form
Burnley have gone through pre-season undefeated, beating Swiss third division side Stade Nyonnais, Bradford City, Bolton Wanderers, Glasgow Rangers and battling to draws with Morecambe and Real Sociedad. Similarly, Swansea have enjoyed a successful pre-season with a solitary defeat to the US team Richmond Kickers the only blemish on a record that included wins against Charlotte Independence, Bristol Rovers, Swindon Town, Wolves and Stade Rennais.
Predicted line-ups
Burnley predicted starting XI Swansea predicted starting XI
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Injuries and suspensions
For Burnley, Stephen Ward is touch and go with a hamstring problem, Liverpool loanee Jon Flanagan may take his place. Ashley Barnes is still unavailable. For Swansea City, record signing Borja Baston will have to wait to make his debut.
Conclusion
Not a dream start to the season for either side, but Burnley will hope to have Turf Moor bouncing for their return to the big time. Swansea will be quietly confident with their summer transfer activity, but may have to wait to register their first points of the season. Prediciton: a narrow home win – 2-1.
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