admin‘The more I think about it…’ – pundit drops bold Aston Villa vs Burnley prediction
Chris Sutton Warns Aston Villa Could Be Caught Off Guard by Burnley
Former Birmingham City and Celtic star Chris Sutton has warned that Aston Villa could be in for a surprise when they host Burnley this Sunday at 14:00. Villa, now riding a three-match winning streak, seem to be finding their rhythm again after a shaky start to the season under Unai Emery.
Fresh off a 2-0 Europa Conference League win over Feyenoord at De Kuip – the same stadium where they famously lifted the European Cup in 1982 – Villa have extended their unbeaten run. Second-half goals from Emiliano Buendia and John McGinn secured the victory, with both players also scoring in their recent Premier League win over Fulham, a promising sign for Emery.
But despite Villa’s resurgence, Sutton isn’t convinced they’ll take all three points this weekend. In his latest BBC Sport column predicting all ten Premier League fixtures, he flagged the Villa vs. Burnley clash as a potential upset.
“The More I Think About It…” – Sutton Predicts Draw at Villa Park
Sutton, who ended his playing career at Aston Villa, is backing Burnley to leave Villa Park with a result. He said, “The more I think about it, the more I quite fancy Burnley for a draw here.”
He cited Villa’s hectic schedule – four matches in ten days – as a potential issue, suggesting the squad may be stretched. Sutton also noted how crucial it was for Ollie Watkins to get back on the scoresheet against Fulham, ending an eight-game Premier League drought.
“Villa took a while to get going against Fulham,” Sutton added. “But it was great movement by Ollie Watkins for his goal, and he needed that.”
Burnley Showing Premier League Promise Despite Tough Start
Sutton’s confidence in Burnley isn’t without reason. While they sit 18th in the table, their return to the Premier League has shown promise. In contrast to recent seasons where promoted sides struggled, this campaign looks different. Sunderland are flying, Leeds are mid-table in 12th, and Burnley have been competitive—even if results haven’t always gone their way.
Scott Parker’s side were unlucky to lose against both Liverpool and Manchester United, with late penalties denying them points. And while they’ve yet to earn a result on the road – most recently suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat at Manchester City – there’s optimism, especially with Jaidon Anthony in fine form.
Villa, then, will need to stay sharp and organized defensively if they’re to extend their winning run and avoid being caught out by a hungry Burnley side still looking for their first away points.
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