TWO of last season's relegated sides from the Premier League meet on Friday night at Vicarage Road as Watford prepare to meet Burnley.
As if anyone was in any doubt of what is arguably one of the toughest leagues in Europe, it can be summed up the fact that only one team out of the 24 in the league – Blackburn Rovers – have won two out of two games in the league.
Watford somehow escaped with a point on Monday night at West Brom despite being battered for most of the game. In fairness, though, Ismaila Sarr blotted his copybook after his outrageous goal from the halfway line by missing a penalty later. They beat Sheffield United in their first game.
Burnley have had a huge overhaul in the summer. Manager Vincent Kompany has almost an entire new squad to blend in. They are something of an unknown quality with the squad still to properly gel.
However, they completely deserved to win at least season's beaten play-off finalists Huddersfield Town on the first game of the season although Luton Town held them at Turf Moor this week.
It's Watford's third live game since they went down without a trace last term Burnley finished 12 points ahead of Watford last season, but it wasn't enough to save them.
How the bookies view it
Watford are the favourites here at 17/12 with SBK. Burnley can be backed at 23/10 with the same firm. Bet365 has the draw at 23/10 too.
Recent head to heads
Two goals in the last seven minutes gave Burnley an ultimately unsuccessful lifeline last season with 2-1 win at Watford as can be seen below.
The other game was goalless in Lancashire and Watford haven't won in the last five meetings between the teams.
Players to watch
As stated, Ismaila Sarr scored an incredible goal at The Hawthorns. He should have had a brace had he converted the spot kick. He is 5/2 with bet365 to score anytime,
Despite all their chances, Ashley Barnes remains at Turf Moor. The 32-year-old has been at the club for eight years and is always a threat. He is 13/5 to score with Paddy Power on Friday.
Anything else catch the eye?
Watford was second best all over the pitch at West Brom and although they could won it with that latemissed penalty, it would have been far from deserved. A repeat of their midfield ineffectiveness could be punished by Burnley who look value for the win. On the evidence of this season's league games, Burnley look the better side by far.
With both sides winning 1-0 and draw 1-1, it's hard to see this being a classic and the 13/18 with SBK for under 2.5 goals looks solid.
This England Championship match between Watford and Burnley will be played on Aug 12, 2022 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Watford vs Burnley prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.