Burnley head to Watford on Saturday looking to build on their 3-0 win over West Ham before the international break. 

We take a look at the main talking points, the Hornets having picked up their maiden victory last time out against Norwich. 

Continuing winning ways

Since both claiming victories in their last Premier League games, the two sides will be looking to add another to their tallies at Vicarage Road. Having lost three straight games prior to that, Sean Dyche’s side ended that streak in their last match with a 3-0 home win against struggling West Ham. Goals from Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood helped secure the victory, with an impressive 12 shots on target part of a dominant display. Now the Clarets will be looking to tick another box as they are yet to win an away game in the Premier League this season. Watford were also successful in their last Premier League fixture however. Gerard Deulofeu and Andre Gray scored to hand Quique Sanchez Flores’ team their first win of the 2019/20 season. Currently sitting 18th in the league table, Watford will be looking to gain maximum points in front of a home crowd and start to build some real momentum.

Last time they met

During their Premier League days, the teams have faced each other six times - Burnley winning three times and two matches ending in a victory for Watford with one draw. The two sides last came face-to-face in the Premier league this January, which ended in a 0-0 draw, a scoreline both sides won’t be looking to repeat on Saturday. Before this, Watford bagged a 3-1 victory at Turf Moor in August 2018, despite a goal from James Tarkowski. Burnley did win at Vicarage Road in April 2018 with goals from Sam Vokes and Jack Cork handing them a 2-1 win.

Climbing up the table

Dyche’s side are currently sitting in 10th place with 15 points from the 12 games played so far this season, and discounting the top four teams, it really is all to play for. Depending on how other teams perform this weekend, Burnley could climb as high as fifth place, but they are coming up against a team who need the points to move up to safety and out of the relegation zone. Watford however have only won one of their 12 games so far this season, suffering six defeats and five draws, leaving them with only eight points out of a possible 36. With seven points separating the two sides and Watford’s goal difference of minus 15, Burnley will be targeting this game.

Key man returns for hosts

Last season’s second highest goal scorer for Watford was striker, captain and talisman Troy Deeney and it is clear to see that he has been missed so far this season. This time last year, Watford were in eighth place with six wins and 19 points. After undergoing minor knee surgery in August, Deeney is yet to play this season, however he was on the bench for their 2-0 win over Norwich before the international break and is pushing for a start. His return will likely give Watford the extra bit of confidence and leadership they have been lacking since the beginning of the season, something Burnley will have to watch out for if Deeney is to make his return this weekend.

Areas for improvement

Having scored 17 goals in their 12 games this season, goalscoring does not seem to be Burnley’s issue, the Clarets finding the back of the net more than the five sides directly above them. It is however their defence which has been more of a cause for concern, the clean sheet against West Ham last time out a welcome one. Watford have concerns at both ends. They have conceded 23 goals in 12 games and have also suffered from a drought of goals this season, scoring only eight. Therefore, defence is something that both teams need to be worried about heading into this game. The two sides will be battling it out to keep clean sheets and bag a win.