Relegation-placed Burnley eager to end eight-game winless run.
Burnley vs. Everton kicks off at 15:00 [GMT] on Saturday, December 27, at Turf Moor.
Relegation-placed Burnley [LLLLD] will be looking to put an end to an eight-game winless run when they host Everton, two days after Christmas. However, this fixture comes at a difficult time for the newly promoted side. Burnley have struggled badly in matches played between Christmas and New Year, losing six of their last seven in this window and each of their last three across their two most recent Premier League seasons. While ending that unimpressive streak ranks high, even a win will see them remain in the bottom three, as they remain seven points shy of safety, having accumulated 11 points. Meanwhile, a reputation for late drama could serve as a source of inspiration for the struggling home side. No team has scored more Premier League goals from the 85th minute onwards this season, with seven strikes in that period. Five of their last six league goals have come late on, underlining a tendency to grow into matches rather than impose themselves early. Their draw with Bournemouth, decided by a 90th-minute goal from their only shot on target, typified that pattern. Earning their first victory since October 26, when they defeated fellow bottom-placed side Wolves, could also fuel their ambitions of earning a win here. A 4—4—2 with Zian Flemming and Jacob Bruun Larsen in attack may be seen against the Toffees.
Everton’s festive record is hardly stronger, with no wins in their last six league games during the same period, drawing twice and losing four. Everton’s away form against newly promoted sides is also a concern. They’ve won just two of their last 14 such fixtures, although one of those rare successes did come at Burnley in December 2023, and another at Ipswich last season under Sean Dyche. Historically, Everton has been one of Burnley’s favored opponents in the Premier League, with seven victories against the Toffees—more than against any other side. However, recent meetings have swung Everton’s way. The Merseyside club has won the last three encounters in all competitions, all without conceding, including a 2-0 victory at Turf Moor in December 2023. That result ended a long wait for consecutive away wins here, something Everton hasn’t achieved since 1970. On the touchline, Everton manager David Moyes brings a reassuring personal record into the contest. He’s unbeaten in his last six Premier League matches against Burnley, all achieved during his time at West Ham. He also won his last meeting with the Clarets as Everton boss back in 2009 and will be looking to do so once again here. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Thierno Barry in attack is expected against the Clarets.