EFL expert issues score prediction for Burnley’s meeting with Birmingham City | OneFootball

The Clarets currently sit top of the table, three points clear of second-placed Sheffield United and eight clear of third-placed local rivals Blackburn Rovers.

Vincent Kompany’s men exited the EFL Cup with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, despite a spirited performance against their Premier League opponents. But last time out in the league, they secured their third consecutive win with a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough at Turf Moor.

Meanwhile, Blues have enjoyed a much-improved season and come into the game sitting 9th in the table, just two points from the play-off places.

John Eustace’s side registered a 3-2 win over Reading at St Andrews last Friday night after a dominant first-half performance saw them 3-0 up after just 36 minutes thanks Troy Deeney’s double and Tatith Chong’s strike, taking advantage of defensive mistakes from the visitors. The Royals put in a stronger second half showing and goals from Tom Ince and Lucas Joao set up a nervy finish, but the holds held on.

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton believes the Blues will cause problems for the Clarets, but predicts the league leaders will prevail in a 3-2 victory.

“Burnley were excellent against Middlesbrough again. This time they had to find their way from behind against a confident side, but managed to do just that to tighten their grip at the top of the table,” Prutton said on the Sky Sports website.

“Birmingham were clinical against Reading, but won’t be presented with quite as many gifts at Turf Moor. I’ll be optimistic here and say there will be plenty of goals! But the home side will edge it.”

The verdict

It has been an exceptional season for Burnley so far.

The Clarets have been the outstanding team in the division and look well on course for an immediate return to the Premier League.

But the Blues have also defied all expectations, with many predicting another relegation battle, although this will be a serious test of their play-off credentials against the league leaders.

Kompany’s side have so much attacking threat and strength in depth and with Nathan Tella and Anass Zaroury potentially returning for this one, it could be a difficult night for the visitors’ defence.

While Birmingham will make it a competitive encounter, the Clarets may just have too much for them and a home win feels like a fair prediction.