Burnley have their backs against the wall after a two-goal defeat in Greece, and Kevin Hatchard thinks they may lose again in a thriller at Turf Moor.
“Burnley have leaked ten goals in their last three matches, and they have to chase the game. Olympiakos should get some good counter-attacking opportunities.”
Burnley v Olympiakos
Thursday 30 August, 19:45
Live on BT Sport
Burnley facing the end of their European adventure
It’s been a fantastic effort so far from Burnley in this competition, but now they face their biggest challenge. They were deservedly beaten 3-1 in Athens, although they had little help from the officials, and they actually did superbly to avoid a heavier defeat having played most of the second half with ten men. Manager Sean Dyche was seething at the performance of the referee in the second half, and it has been alleged that Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis went to the referees’ room at the break.
Burnley have given the Europa League proper respect, and Dyche has described being involved in the tournament as a badge of honour. However, a poor start to the Premier League campaign (one point garnered from the first three matches) has reinforced the belief of many that the Clarets would probably benefit from bowing out at this stage.
Dyche will once again shuffle his pack, with a tough game against Manchester United on the horizon. Gibson is suspended, so Dyche will have to change his defence, while Tom Heaton could get another chance in goal as he continues his recovery from injury.
Olympiakos looking to maintain perfect start
After a debacle of a season that saw them finish an unfamiliar third in the Greek Super League, Olympiakos are trying to rebuild their reputation this term under coach Pedro Martins. They have won all four of their competitive matches so far, including a 1-0 success against Levadiakos in their league opener.
Opta tell us the Athenian giants have an awful away record in England, with 12 defeats in 13 trips. However, they won the most recent visit, beating Arsenal 3-2 at the Emirates.
Olympiakos will hope for more excellent displays from wingers Lazaros Christodopoulos and Daniel Podence, who caused all kinds of problems for Burnley last week, while Konstantinos Fortounis scored twice.
Burnley have got to the third round of qualifying without winning a single game inside 90 minutes. They drew both legs against Aberdeen 1-1 before progressing in extra-time, and they also used the extra half-hour to their advantage against Istanbul Basaksehir, scoring a winner after two goalless stalemates.
Therefore, it seems odd that the Clarets are [2.46] favourites here. They haven’t won a match since last season, and judging by last week, Olympiakos have the pace and ingenuity to catch them on the counter-attack as the hosts look to rescue the tie.
I’ll back Olympiakos [2.22] on the Draw No Bet market.
Goals on the cards as Burnley scrap for survival
Burnley’s goal in Athens was their only shot on target last week, so they must do better to salvage this tie and reach the group stage. Dyche will have to take off the handbrake and go for it.
Olympiakos have seen all three of their UEL ties feature at least three goals, and given the fact Burnley have leaked ten goals in their last three matches (including a 4-2 defeat at Fulham on Sunday), I fancy backing Over 2.5 Goals here at [2.2].
Source: BetFair Tips
