Will Burnley’s Home Record Survive Sunderland?

By Edgar Acero | 19th September 2009

Will Burnley's Home Record Survive Sunderland? | read this item

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burnley After experiencing a promising start in the top flight by defeating the current Premiership champions, Burnley’s form went crashing down with two heavy road defeats at the hands of Chelsea and Liverpool, 3-0 and 4-0 respectively. Now, they have to defend their perfect record at home against Sunderland, who come pumped and ready after thrashing Hull City 4-1 at home.

Burnley, a sure early candidate for relegation, will be looking to prove themselves against the Black Cats as this test will give manager Owen Coyle a better idea on what his team has to offer for the rest of the season. So far, it has been a roller-coaster ride for the Clarets as they faced defeat on their dayview against Stoke. They bounced back and went on to defeat Manchester United and the always-highly-rated Everton side. However, all that excitement faded quickly with the painful Stamford Bridge and Anfield visits. The venue against Sunderland is highly important as a victory will provide Burney a much needed boost in confidence before they face Tottenham.

Similarly, this must be a win-win game for Sunderland, who will be looking to stay away from the relegation zone early on and keep a place in the top half of the table. It certainly is a possible outcome if Darren Bent is considered. The forward has played in five matches and found the back of the net four times. Steve Bruce will be looking to unleash his main attacker on a defense that has allowed seven goals in the last two games. A victory at Turf Moor will give the Black Cats the opportunity to go confidently on a rampage at home against Birmingham for the Carling Cup and Wolverhampton before they visit Old Trafford.

High stakes in this game, and for fans in the United States it is ESPN’s game of the week.