'A real shock' – Burnley vs Stoke City prediction: The72

12/31/2024 04:04 AM

Burnley host Stoke City at Turf Moor in their upcoming Championship clash on New Year’s Day.

Burnley are currently sat in 3rd place in the table behind Leeds United and Sheffield United. They are targeting an immediate promotion back to the Premier League this season.

The Clarets slipped out of the top flight in the last campaign and subsequently saw Vincent Kompany head out the exit door to Bayern Munich. They replaced him with former Fulham and AFC Bournemouth man Scott Parker.

They drew 0-0 away at Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium last time out. That was their ninth draw of this term to date.

As for Stoke City, they won 1-0 at home to Sunderland last time out. Leicester City loan man Tom Cannon scored a last-gasp winner for them against the Black Cats.

The Potters are in the hunt for a new manager after cutting ties with Narcis Pelach. They have a big decision to make on who to bring in next and have put Ryan Shawcross in caretaker charge until a successor is found.

Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…

Harry Mail

“Burnley are a tough nut to crack and should be too strong here if they show up.

“The Clarets have only lost twice so far this season and are a tough side to break down. They have the best defensive record in the Championship.

“Stoke City need to ensure that they get their next managerial appointment right as they are too close to the drop zone for comfort.

“They did well to beat Sunderland and that result should boost their confidence. However, I can see them losing at Turf Moor.”

Prediction: Burnley 1-0 Stoke City

James Ray

“Stoke City pulled off a real shock by beating Sunderland last time out and they’ll be hopeful of a similar feat here as they look to leave a truly dismal 2024 behind them.

“However, Burnley are on another level compared to the Black Cats I feel. They’re a far stronger side defensively and with the home crowd behind them, I back them to take the chances when they come and emerge victorious.

“The Potters will be eager to stay in the game and try and nick something again, but there’ll be no such luck this time.”

Prediction: Burnley 2-0 Stoke City

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