Well toodle-dee-doodle-dee-doo, would you look at that.
Burnley has returned to the pitch.
Whom:
Burnley vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
What:
EPL match number 1 of 38. A new beginning.
Where:
Turf Moor! Wow. Thought this was a road game. This changes things.
When:
9:00 AM American Central Daylight Time
How to Watch:
Peacock (Boo!!!!!!!!!!!)
What’s at Stake:
Quite simply everything in creation. But really, would be good to get a good start to the year. Brighton figures to be a mid-table team, so if Burnley wants to be a mid-table team, the lads would like to defeat their companion at home.
The Odds:
I’m seeing Burnley at +220, Brighton at +140, and a draw at +200, so the implied win probability there’s about 29% and the implied draw probability’s about 31%.
Burnley Squad:
Nick Pope and Chris Wood both played in last weekend’s friendly loss to Cádiz—no word on their official status for today. Matt Lowton missed the friendly due to contact tracing but is reportedly available.
The Opponent:
There isn’t a lot known about Brighton. By me, specifically. They’re on the coast, they’re the Seagulls, I’ve never learned what Hove Albion is or what Hove is or what Hove and Albion are. Think they wear blue fairly often.
Transfers, Sean Dyche Extension:
Only rumors, no news, and with the extension not announced yet I’m a little concerned but there doesn’t seem to be much buzz about it? So maybe it’s fine?
Burnley FC Women:
The women’s club (third tier) opens league play against Sheffield tomorrow. In other news, their new home ground will be Accrington Stanley FC. Guess they used to play at Padiham FC.
Partner Clubs:
Cobh Ramblers (Ireland, second tier) managed a draw against Athlone last weekend despite losing two players to a red card and two yellows. They then got smoked by rival Cork City last night on the road, 4-0, missing an opportunity. Back down to ninth in the table. No relegation threat, but a bummer with an eleven-point gap between them and the promotion playoffs and only eight matches to go. The U19’s have qualified for the “Elite Phase” of their league, and I don’t know what that means but it sounds good.
Ayr United (Scotland, second tier) rallied from two goals down last weekend to draw with Arbroath, grabbing their first point of the league campaign in their second match. They face Dundee United (first tier) today in the Scottish League Cup’s Round of 16.
Portadown (Northern Ireland, first tier) is still playing friendlies.
Llandudno (Wales, second tier) lost last weekend to Connah’s Quay (first tier, defending champions) in the Welsh League Cup. They then drew with Bangor on the road Tuesday in a league match. Currently in the middle of the table. They’ll play Llay Welfare (third tier) on the road today in the Welsh Cup.
How Did the Cádiz Friendly Go?
Lost, 2-0.
Other News:
Burnley will play Newcastle in their Carabao Cup opener. On the road.
Bertie News:
(It sounds like the #WhereWeBelong thing is a mental health awareness campaign, which is awesome but also they posted this without any context and it was exciting because who *knew* what Bertie could be up to??)
