Burnley vs. Tottenham Hotspur Premier League Preview

After Tuesday’s robust win over Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur shot as much as fifth within the Champions League desk and out of the blue is favored to get a bye into the Spherical of 16. On the identical time, Spurs are simply 10 factors forward of the relegation zone within the Premier League, nonetheless profitable solely as soon as within the league since early December. Whereas relegation might be not an actual risk (proper?!), enhancements are wanted instantly.

One may assume a visit to Burnley can be the proper treatment, however final weekend’s loss to West Ham strikes Tottenham’s report in opposition to the underside 4 right down to 2-1-2. Moreover, the Clarets have taken factors off United and Liverpool of their final two matches, that means Spurs won’t intimidate them in any respect. Nonetheless, they haven’t gained within the league since October; Thomas Frank will get no passes for this one.

Date: Saturday, January 24Time: 10:00 am ET, 3:00 pm UKLocation: Turf Moor, BurnleyTV: USA Community (US)Desk: Burnley (nineteenth, 14 pts), Spurs (t-14th, 27 pts)

The Opening Day win over Burnley was considered one of Tottenham’s finest this season. Two athletic targets by Richarlison and a 3rd from Brennan Johnson had supporters dreaming of a model new period beneath Frank — as an alternative, the subsequent 5 months felt no completely different than the final yr. Not less than this one contest performed out precisely how one may anticipate between golf equipment with this hole in high quality, which perhaps offers a bit of hope for the weekend.

The final two matches, Burnley has misplaced the xG battle by a mixed 5.73-0.64, however the scorelines learn 3-3. Scott Parker’s facet was lucky in every contest to come back away with a draw, however the sample is there to once more make it work in opposition to superior (heh, perhaps) opposition. The truth is, 4 of the final six matches have ended with factors, and whereas a few of these might want to flip into wins to flee relegation, there’s clear enchancment.

The Clarets know they should maximize their alternatives. They’re lifeless final within the league in possession and have owned lower than 40 % of the ball the final two weeks. Nevertheless, the facet is nearer to common in shot-on-target share, targets per shot, and targets per shot on course, so when there’s a likelihood, it isn’t like this crew is totally unable to seek out the again of the online.

What does that imply for Tottenham? Errors can be lethal. The debacle final weekend was simply the newest instance of being punished for defensive lapses, and let the final two Burnley contests present that this facet wants no further invitation. Even with no wins within the final two highway journeys, I do assume going to Turf Moor continues to be in all probability a extra worthwhile setting than this being at house, however we will see.

Frank doubtlessly purchased himself one other month in North London after dispatching Dortmund, eerily following within the footsteps of his predecessor. It’s now nicely established the Ange Postecoglou pushed all of the chips within the Europa League and punted the Premier League, and although that was each the suitable determination and a profitable mission, it nonetheless didn’t save his job.

The calculus is trickier for Frank as profitable the Champions League isn’t actually an choice (in all probability?), so he nonetheless wants to supply some consideration to the league. However is ending eighth and exiting early from the knockout rounds really going to assist him in the long term, or is it simply going to delay the inevitable? Possibly the one means out is simply hold — however actually, begin — profitable.

Some may argue this match is larger than Wednesday’s journey to Frankfurt. That’s not an announcement I might agree with, however even with a top-eight end within the League Part, Frank’s dismissal can be justified given his horrible home efficiency, so this journey to Burnley does really feel vital. Anybody who has adopted this membership for any period of time is aware of how these matches are likely to go. Breaking that curse is the step Frank wants to remain afloat.