Premier League meets Championship in this EFL League Cup tie as Burnley host Leeds United.
Burnley continued their fantastic four-match unbeaten run by drawing 1-1 at Liverpool on Saturday – putting them up to seventh in the top flight. This result also saw my Both Teams to Score bet come off!
Once again, the Clarets were solid at the back at Anfield with just the one goal conceded against a forward line who had scored 15 goals prior to that match on Saturday. This means that Burnley have not conceded more than one goal in any of their competitive matches since opening day. In terms of the forward line, Sean Dyche’s side managed to show they are not totally reliant on Chris Wood as Scott Arfield chipped in with a goal on Saturday. However, the questions still remain over the potency of this Burnley outfit.
Dyche’s men managed to recover from their home defeat to West Bromwich Albion by beating Crystal Palace at Turf Moor just under 10 days ago – reviving the good mood that surrounded the ground last season. Having said that, it is worth noting that they have lost their last two League Cup ties on home soil whilst they also lost to then non-league Lincoln City in last season’s FA Cup.
Leeds’ terrific run of five straight wins came to an end on Saturday as they lost 1-0 to newly-promoted Millwall. This was also their first competitive defeat of the season. However, they still sit top of the Championship after eight games.
The Yorkshire side have been sublime at both ends of the pitch so far this campaign with 14 goals scored and just three conceded – the second-best and best statistic in the league respectively. Furthermore, they do not seem to have missed the goals of Chris Wood since his transfer to Tuesday’s opponents Burnley – Leeds have scored 16 goals in the six competitive games since the New Zealander’s departure. Additionally, prior to Saturday’s defeat, the Whites had kept six consecutive clean sheets in the league.
Thomas Christiansen had overseen three consecutive away wins prior to Saturday’s loss at Millwall. However, they have never beaten a top flight side on their travels in the League Cup.
Both of these teams have had fantastic starts to the season so, in order to keep up this good form in the league, I think we can expect some changes from the two managers here as they look to rest players. Although Burnley have a formidable home record, Leeds come here in great form themselves and arguably have a stronger motivation – to knock out a Premier League side. With this being the case, I think backing Leeds United to Win – Draw No Bet at 12/5 seems a good option.