Match Preview: Burnley vs Cardiff - Expert Analysis

With the Premier League starting this weekend, a lot of focus will be on the English top flight, however the EFL is still providing some exciting fixtures across the country. Burnley will be hoping to continue their strong start to the campaign as they host Cardiff in Scott Parker’s first league game in front of the home fans as manager. Parker has already enjoyed two promotions from the Championship as a manager and will be looking to make it a third this season.

Burnley vs Cardiff Standings

After one game, Burnley are second in the Championship having won 4-1 against Luton Town. Only Sheffield Wednesday bettered their opening weekend scoreline with a 4-0 win. Cardiff’s campaign got off to a sorry start, losing 2-0 at home to promotion hopefuls Sunderland. Goals from Luke O’Nien and Jack Clarke was enough to give the Black Cats victory.

Great start to the campaign from the boys in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Thank you travelling fans!!!!❤️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/cCNRcYSqLj
— Luke O'Nien (@LukeONien) August 10, 2024

Other than their Championship game, Cardiff have also played a game in the first round of the EFL Cup, which they won 2-0 against Bristol Rovers. Because they finished 19th in the Premier League last season, Burnley received a bye into the second round of the cup, meaning that they are more fresh for this weekend’s fixture.

Burnley vs Cardiff Head to Head

Due to Burnley’s extended period in the Premier League, the teams haven’t made a habit of meeting each other, having just met four times since 2016. Here are the results last five meetings:

Burnley 3-0 Cardiff (May 2023) Cardiff 1-1 Burnley (Oct 2022) Burnley 2-0 Cardiff (Apr 2019) Cardiff 1-2 Burnley (Sept 2018) Burnley 0-0 Cardiff (Apr 2016)

In their three most recent home fixtures against Cardiff, Burnley have managed a clean sheet in each of them while scoring five goals. Interestingly, in the 2022/23 Championship season, when Burnley swept aside the rest of the competition, Cardiff did manage a draw against the eventual champions, however they were at home on that occasion. Cardiff’s last win against this weekend’s opponents was nearly 12 years ago, in 2012.

Burnley vs Cardiff Top Scorers

As it is just the second game of the league season, there isn’t a top goalscorer of either club. Cardiff are yet to find the back of the net in the league, and all four of Burnley’s goals were scored by a different player against Luton.

Clinical. pic.twitter.com/bEDW9v2hZS
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) August 12, 2024

Josh Brownhill, Wilson Odobert, Dara O’Shea and Vitinho all found the back of the net against the Hatters so they are all currently the club’s top scorers in the league. I wouldn’t be surprised if at least one of them got a second this weekend.

Burnley vs Cardiff Team News

Burnley only have one major player missing from their squad ahead of this weekend’s game. Centre-back Jordan Beyer is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and it is not yet known when he will return to the fold. The 24-year-old joined the club permanently last summer having been on loan during their Championship title season the year before. He played 15 games in the Premier League last season.

Like Burnley, Cardiff are missing just one player in centre-back Ryotaro Tsunoda. The 25-year-old has yet to play a competitive fixture for Cardiff as he only joined last January and spent the second half of last season on loan in Belgium.

Burnley vs Cardiff Predicted Lineups

Burnley: J. Trafford, C. Roberts, D. O’Shea, M. Esteve, L. Pires, J. Cullen, J. Brownhill, Vitinho, W. Odobert, L. Koleosho, L. Foster

Cardiff: E. Horvath, P. Ng, C. Chambers, D. Goutas, C. O’Dowda, M. Siopis, J. Ralls, O. Tanner, A. Ramsey, R. Colwill, W. Kanga

Burnley vs Cardiff Player to Watch

Vitinho struggled for form last season, but in one game already this term, he has beaten last year’s goal tally. While he was manager of Bournemouth, Scott Parker helped Jaidon Anthony push to get more involved in the set up at the Cherries so it is clear that the boss likes his technical wingers.

80' GOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!

The right foot of Vitinho makes it four on opening night for Scott Parker's side 🤩

1-4 pic.twitter.com/UdJBcz0t8u
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) August 12, 2024

I expect Vitinho to have a strong season in the Championship this year and it is games like this one that he should be really shining and showing his worth. He’ll get at least an assist this weekend as Burnley start off their home campaign with a win.