Burnley Football Club will face Stoke City at Turf Moor on January 1, 2025, hoping to extend their impressive unbeaten streak as they compete for the top spots in the EFL Championship. Currently sitting third, Burnley aims to capitalize on their home advantage against Stoke, who are fighting to avoid relegation.
Under the management of Scott Parker, Burnley has shown remarkable resilience, remaining unbeaten for their last eleven matches. Their latest encounter ended in a goalless draw against Middlesbrough, which showcased their strength but also highlighted the need for more offensive effectiveness. With 48 points from 24 games, Burnley is now only three points behind the league leaders and is eager to secure three more points against Stoke City.
Conversely, Stoke City finds itself struggling near the bottom of the table, currently placed 18th with 25 points. Caretaker manager Ryan Shawcross took charge following the dismissal of Narcis Pelach. Shawcross led the Potters to a narrow 1-0 victory against Sunderland, but the road match against Burnley presents a significant challenge.
Notably, Burnley's home form has been stellar, with no defeats at Turf Moor this season. They've allowed just nine goals across 24 games—a commendable feat contributing to the best defensive record across the Championship. Stoke City's performance has been less consistent, with only two wins from eleven away games. Their recent win against Sunderland, albeit positive, raises questions about their ability to perform well on the road.
Burnley's lineup for this match might see several key players missing due to injuries. Jordan Beyer, Manuel Benson, and Mike Tresor will not be available. Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsey is slowly recovering but set to miss out once more. Scott Parker will likely continue deploying midfielders Jaidon Anthony, Josh Brownhill, and Hannibal Mejbri to complement striker Zian Flemming, aiming to break down a resilient Stoke defense.
Stoke will enter the match also grappling with injuries, including midfielder Ben Pearson and striker Million Manhoef. Their lineup may include Tatsuki Seko and Wouter Burger to fortify their midfield, hoping to disrupt Burnley's passing and control. Shawcross has emphasized the importance of maintaining the team’s fighting spirit and strategy adjustments required away from home.
"It’s another big game for us which we’re looking forward to. But the main idea now is to see how much recovery we can get..." stated Parker, emphasizing the need for mental and physical readiness. Shawcross mirrored this sentiment, saying, "We go there with a positive mindset... It’s difficult, but we’ve seen some teams go up there and do alright. There are opportunities for us to aim for." These quotes exemplify both managers’ intentions to command the match ambitiously.
Regarding match odds, Burnley is positioned as the favorite at 8/15, corresponding to approximately 65% implied probability of winning. Stoke City has been handed odds of 11/2 (15.4%) to secure victory, reflecting significant challenges expected against such formidable opposition.
Historically, the matchup between both teams has been closely contested. They have met 113 times, with Stoke leading with 46 wins to Burnley’s 41, underscoring the competitive rivalry. Recent encounters favor the Clarets, who emerged victorious 2-0 when they last met at the bet365 Stadium on November 30, 2024. Burnley will look to repeat this performance, particularly with their current form.
Anticipation builds as fans prepare for what promises to be an exciting New Year’s Day clash at Turf Moor. Burnley is focused on solidifying their position near the top of the table, fantasying promotion to the Premier League, whereas Stoke will strive to climb away from the relegation zone with points desperately needed. Kick-off is slated for 12:00 PM (Brasilia) or 10:00 AM (EST), with live coverage available on Sky Sports+
Both teams will be eager to put forth their best efforts, showcasing their strategies, talent, and resilience, making this match pivotal for both sides.