Burnley Hopes for Injury Boost Ahead of Brentford Clash

As Burnley prepares to host Brentford in a crucial Premier League encounter, manager Vincent Kompany is optimistic about the potential return of several key players from injury. While keeping the specifics under wraps, the Belgian boss hinted at “positive surprises” in his matchday squad selection.

The Clarets have endured a dismal run of form, failing to secure a victory in their last 10 league fixtures since a 2-0 triumph over Fulham on December 23rd. However, Sunday’s hard-fought draw against West Ham provided a glimmer of hope as they aim to avoid consecutive winless games for the first time this season.

On the other hand, Brentford will be sweating over the fitness of Bryan Mbeumo, who has been sidelined since December due to an ankle injury. The Bees will continue to assess the French forward’s condition ahead of the clash at Turf Moor. Meanwhile, Sergio Reguilon is expected to be available despite missing the recent defeat against Arsenal with a hamstring concern.

Unfortunately, Christian Norgaard’s absence has been confirmed after the Danish midfielder sustained a back injury during last weekend’s encounter.

Head-to-head encounters between the two sides have historically favored Burnley, with the Clarets losing just one of their previous 11 home league meetings against Brentford. However, the Bees secured a convincing 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture on October 21st and will be seeking their first league double over Burnley since the 1934-35 season.

Burnley’s struggles at Turf Moor have been well-documented, with their tally of 11 home league defeats already setting an unwanted club record for a single season. Additionally, they have conceded a staggering 34 goals on their home turf, the highest figure since the 1960-61 campaign.

Remarkably, Burnley has accumulated as many points (7) against fellow newly-promoted sides as they have in their remaining 25 matches against the rest of the Premier League.

Brentford, on the other hand, has endured a torrid run of form, securing just three victories in their last 17 top-flight encounters. Their tally of 10 Premier League away defeats is tied for the highest in the division alongside Sheffield United.

Moreover, the Bees have conceded a league-high 17 headed goals this season, just three shy of the competition record set by Leeds United in 1992-93. Compounding their woes, Brentford has squandered a staggering 28 points from winning positions, eight more than the second-highest figure recorded by none other than Burnley.

As the clash approaches, both sides will be eager to secure vital points in their respective battles against relegation. While Yoane Wissa aims to extend his scoring streak to four consecutive Premier League appearances, Ivan Toney will celebrate his 28th birthday with the hope of propelling Brentford to a crucial victory.

With injury concerns plaguing both camps and a history of closely-contested encounters, this high-stakes showdown promises to be a captivating affair as the season enters its business end.