English FA CUP
2019-01-05 - Burnley vs Barnsley
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English FA Cup Third Round
Saturday 5th January 2019 - Kick Off 12:30pm
Burnley
This time last season it would have been a good time for Burnley to try and put a strong run together in the FA Cup, but the fates weren't kind to the club who were beaten in the Third Round by Manchester City. Sean Dyche may not be as interested in a deep Cup run over the next five months with the priority for Burnley being the fight against relegation from the Premier League, although the side have been in positive form.
That may mean the manager is looking to build on the momentum earned by the come from behind win over Huddersfield Town on Wednesday which could be a huge result for the club. They did reach the Fifth Round of the FA Cup in the 2016/17 season when Burnley were struggling in a relegation battle in the Premier League.
Burnley have won half of their last 6 games coming into this Third Round tie and they have won the last couple of games played over the last eight days. They have won 2 of their last 3 home games and Sean Dyche has to be looking to keep the positive vibes going in the dressing room which means avoiding a defeat to a lower League club in the Cup.
Nick Pope was the expected starting goalkeeper back in August before an injury meant months on the sidelines, but the England international could start this one. Both Stephen Ward and Steven Defour are expected to return to the squad, while changes are expected to freshen up the starting eleven.
Barnsley
For different reasons than Burnley, Barnsley may not want a Cup run to distract them from League matters for too long as they chase promotion back into the Championship from League One. However clubs lower down the Leagues are not really capable of rotating squads as much as those from the top two Divisions, while motivation to play at a Premier League club should inspire the Barnsley players.
Notts County and Southend United have both been beaten by Barnsley in the FA Cup this season and they have scored four goals in both victories. The Tykes will be looking to reach the Fourth Round of the FA Cup for the first time since the 2012/13 season.
Barnsley are unbeaten in 5 games going into the Third Round tie this weekend and they had won 3 in a row before the goalless draw with Luton Town on New Year's Day. They have won 3 of their last 8 away games, but Barnsley have lost half of those fixtures and now play a team from two Divisions higher.
There may be some changes to the starting eleven considering Barnsley's focus is on the League and coming off a very difficult festive period.
Head to Head
Burnley did the League double over Barnsley in the 2013/14 season when both teams were playing in the Championship.
Burnley are unbeaten in 4 home games against Barnsley and have won 3 of those games.
Prediction
People are always on the look out for an upset or two when the FA Cup Third Round comes around and teams struggling in the Premier League are always vulnerable with the focus on League matters rather than prolonging a stay in the Cup.
One of those is Burnley, but back to back wins either side of the end of the 2018 calendar year has given them a real boost and a significant move up the League table. That is still the priority, but I do think Sean Dyche will want his team to keep the momentum behind them ahead of a huge game against Fulham next Saturday.
While he will make changes, I still expect to see a Burnley team capable of beating an opponent from League One.
Barnsley can't be underestimated as they were in the Championship last season and look like they have enough quality to perhaps return to that Division at the end of this one. The Tykes have not found it easy to get past the Third Round of the FA Cup in recent seasons, but they will feel Burnley could be vulnerable as Burton Albion from League One found in their win over the Premier League club in the League Cup earlier this season.
Even then I think the fact that this game is being played at Turf Moor goes against Barnsley and Burnley look a very tempting price to win. The home team won't want a Replay to add to the fixture list in January after the busy December and I think Burnley will do just enough to edge out their visitors and move through to the Fourth Round.
The Pick :
Burnley 1-0 Barnsley
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back Burnley to Win @ 1.83 BetFred
