Prediction and odds for the game: Burnley (7/4) v Sheffield United (13/8)
We are backing the draw at odds of 9/4
When: Thursday, 17th September 2020, kick-off 17:30
Where: Turf Moor
On Thursday evening, Burnley host Sheffield United at Turf Moor in the second round of the Carabao Cup, as the two teams look to book their place in the next round of the competition.
Burnley
The Clarets have yet to kick-off their Premier League campaign. Therefore, this will be Sean Dyche’s teams first competitive game of the season. The north west outfit had just one pre-season game, which ended in a 0-0 draw against local rivals Preston North End.
Burnley finished last season in inconsistent form, winning just one of their final games of the Premier League campaign. The home team have so far failed to strengthen their squad, with Republic of Ireland midfielder Jeff Hendrick leaving for Newcastle on a free transfer.
The Clarets have a terrible recent record in the Carabao Cup, as they have won just one of their last eight games in the competition. In fact, they have lost five of those eight matches in 90 minutes, one in extra-time and once on penalty kicks. The League Cup has not been high on their list of priorities in recent seasons. It remains to be seen if this season will be any different.
Sheffield United
The Blades kicked off their season with a 2-0 home defeat against Wolves on the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign. The defeat followed just two pre-season friendly games against Derby and Preston North End. Chris Wilder’s team may be prioritising their league campaign this season, especially after that opening gameweek defeat in the top-flight. The Yorkshire club will be highly aware that they need to avoid second season syndrome in the Premier League.
The visitors have won just two of their last seven matches in Carabao Cup, having failed to keep a clean sheet in the competition in seven matches, which dates back to 2015.
Sheffield United’s recent away record in the Carabao Cup could not be more inconsistent, as the Blades have won five and also lost five of their last ten matches in the competition. The visitors have only managed one goal in their last three games in the league cup. That record may not improve against a sturdy Burnley defence.
Conclusion
This is a game that is difficult to judge, as Burnley have barely played since the end of last season, while the Blades have played just once the English top-flight. In terms of quality and results, there was not much between these two teams in the Premier League last season. With that in mind, we are backing this to produce a draw, in a low-scoring encounter.
Verdict: We are backing the draw at odds of 9/4 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 8/11 (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Which team will progress to the third round of the Carabao Cup?
