Kick Off: 1230, 18/02/2017
Stadium: Turf Moor
TV: BT Sport 2
Burnley and Lincoln have had contrasting fortunes since last meeting in the old Division Two at the start of 1999 and the Clarets will start as red-hot favourites for Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie.
However, the Imps have already knocked out Championship sides Ipswich and Brighton and will be fired up for this chance to claim a Premier League scalp.
A Look At Burnley’s Betting Odds
Burnley’s home form this term is fast becoming the stuff of legend, with Sunday’s 1-1 draw against runaway leaders Chelsea following on from nine top-flight victories at Turf Moor, and Sean Dyche’s side would actually be joint-third in a table based solely on results at teams’ own venue.
Dyche knows there is still work to be done to ensure the Clarets stay up, though, especially with a run of four straight away games coming up in the Premier League, so we can expect him to rest a number of first-team regulars this weekend, which may open the door for a more competitive contest than many are predicting.
Burnley’s fringe players have beaten a second-string Sunderland outfit and Bristol City here in previous rounds without conceding a goal, but Lincoln’s mood is much more positive than those struggling clubs and we reckon 21/20 for both teams to score in this tie is worth taking.
A Look At Lincoln City’s Betting Odds
What stood out about Lincoln’s two games with Ipswich and a 3-1 home win over Brighton was the pace of their front men, who repeatedly caused problems for those Championship defences and took their chances when they came.
Manager Danny Cowley described his players as “organised and motivated” after seeing off the Seagulls, adding: “We were brave all afternoon – we wanted to press high and be committed to our style and what we believe in. I feel we did that.”
That style has led Lincoln to the top of the National League, with 61 goals netted in 30 games, and we’re expecting another bold effort here, so 4/5 for the visitors with two goals start is a solid option, while 7/5 for three to four total goals to be scored in a high-tempo match also catches the eye.
Additional stats
Last result:
BURNLEY 1-1 Chelsea – Robbie Brady
LINCOLN 3-2 Woking – Matt Rhead (2), Terrell Thomas (og)
Head-to-head: Lincoln 1-1 Burnley, Burnley 1-1 Lincoln, Burnley 2-1 Lincoln, Lincoln 1-1 Burnley, Burnley 2-1 Lincoln
