Saido Berahino Jan 2015
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Plucky Berahino can push Baggies past hosts Burnley

| 08.02.2015
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

Basement battlers Burnley welcome West Bromwich Albion to Turf Moor with an almost identical recent record to their visitors, with both sides having taken three points from just one of their last seven Premier League fixtures.

Between them, the cagey Clarets and cautious Baggies have stuttered to 15 draws during this campaign, making Coral’s odds of 9/4 for these two teams to split the spoils excellent value.

Albion in particular have been tough to beat on their travels, conceding just 13 league goals on the road, so back Tony Pulis’ team at 21/10 to keep a clean sheet, or 19/5 to win to nil.

Whilst ending the game on even terms would be far from a disaster for either team, tougher upcoming clashes mean this game should be up for grabs, and it could be West Brom’s January wheeling and dealing that makes the difference here.

Manchester United academy product and Scotland international Darren Fletcher should bring bags of tenacity and experience to the struggling Midlands club, and could help them steer clear of a relegation scrap.

Back the former Red Devil at 8/1 to be on target anytime on his potential debut, whilst fellow winter recruit Callum McManaman is also available 7/2 in the same market.

Albion, 21/10 to win, certainly need to add a sense of adventure into their battle plan for away games, and the upcoming trek to Turf Moor could present an ideal opportunity.

Having been toothless up top for much of this term, netting just 20 times in the league, the Baggies require some brilliance up front, and who better to provide that than outspoken striker Saido Berahino?

Following controversy over an unauthorised interview, in which the England Under-21 star stated he hoped to “go on to bigger things”, the stage is set for Berahino to win back Pulis’ favour by firing West Brom past Burnley.

Currently the club’s top scorer with nine league goals, the Burundi-born frontman is expected to start despite those off-field distractions, and is 11/2 to draw first blood. After bagging a brace in the Baggies’ 4-0 demolition of the Clarets earlier this campaign, Berahino is also an 8/1 chance for two or more again.

The winter window was less active for Burnley, who are 7/5 to triumph, and Sean Dyche has been left to mull over missed opportunities. This could prove crucial for the Clarets as they head into a tricky patch of matches, including clashes against United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Centre back Michael Keane, another Red Devils academy star, has made his move from Old Trafford to Turf Moor permanent, and should help shore up defence. However, arguably Burnley’s biggest transfer triumph was keeping hold of fearsome frontman Danny Ings.

The much sought-after attacker is 9/2 to fire home first, whilst strike partner Ashley Barnes is the same price to close the scoring.

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Author

Holly Thackeray

Holly is a member of the content team, and can often be found on the sports desk writing about favourite topics Serie A and East Asian footballing nations. A recent darts convert, she is also a fully-fledged member of Barney's Army and a proud Leeds-born Manchester United fan.