Source: Team_Talk
TEAMtalk Predicts: Burnley v Everton
We've made our predictions for the season here at TEAMtalk Towers and there's plenty of you waiting to prove what a bunch of plonkers we are. You'll have to wait nine months for that, though, and we know you're not that patient.
With that in mind we're bringing you a new feature for the season that we just know you're going to love - the TEAMtalk 'experts' are taking on the fans.
We'll focus on one of the big Premier League games every weekend and have a go at predicting the result and scoreline. But we'll also get a prediction from a fan of each club to find out who knows the most about the beautiful game - the fans or the experts.
It's one point for a correct result and three if you can nail the right score and we'll keep a tally throughout the season so all our loyal readers can see just how much we do (or don't) know.
Oh, and feel free to send in your own predictions and story comments about how clever - or otherwise - you think we are.
Week Two - Burnley v Everton (Sun, 3pm)
Burnley go into this game in dreamland and no doubt still with their heads in the clouds following Tuesday's 1-0 victory over champions Manchester United.
Owen Coyle's men are without Steven Caldwell as he continues his recovery from a groin injury, so Andre Bikey is expected to keep his place in defence and the former Reading man will be hoping he can help keep another clean sheet.
The Toffees, meanwhile, have doubts over midfield duo Jack Rodwell (knee) and Steven Pienaar (foot), while Joleon Lescott is again likely to be left out due to what manager David Moyes calls a 'poor attitude'.
Match Facts
The sides will be meeting for the first time since the 1975/76 season, with the August 75 meeting at Turf Moor ending in a 1-1 draw that day.
But Everton have the better record overall between the sides - boasting 44 league wins to Burnley's 31, while encounters between the teams has ended all square on 28 occasions.
Burnley have played two, won one and lost one so far this season, but will be keen to make Turf Moor a fortress and their fans can play their part in creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams.
Everton have played just once in the league this season - their embarrassing 6-1 home defeat to Arsenal on the opening day - and Moyes will stress the need for another improved display following Thursday's 4-0 win over Sigma Olomouc in the Europa League.
Predictions
TEAMtalk - James Marshment: Owen Coyle will be hoping to get another big performance from his players after the memorable victory over Manchester United and is likely to stick with an unchanged line-up. Burnley have a tight little ground and it's likely to be a bit of a rude awakening for some of the Premier League's pampered players - however, Everton and David Moyes will bring with them a no-nonsense and professional approach. Bombing Lescott from the side is a good thing for the Toffees and sitting on the sidelines will do little to boost his fitness as he closes in on a move to Manchester City. But they do have the players to cover his absence so I don't think he will be too big a miss.
I remember Everton facing the three promoted sides within the opening six weeks of last season, and on each occasion the Toffees walked away with convincing away wins.
However, I expect this match to be tight but if Everton can ride the expected early storm, then I think they'll go on to win 2-0 with second-half goals, with the in-form Louis Saha again getting on the scoresheet.
