Chris Sutton has predicted Saturday’s Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Burnley and has also backed Ollie Watkins to trouble the Clarets.
The Villa Park crowd welcome Vincent Kompany to Birmingham for his last game of 2023.
Aston Villa will finish in the top four of this year’s Premier League if they don’t lose.
Burnley will be firmly in the relegation zone in the new year.
Both clubs will be looking to end the year on a high note after losing their previous matches.
Watkins was unable to help Aston Villa avoid a 3-2 defeat at Manchester United.
Liverpool lost 2-0 to Burnley at Turf Moor, Kompany’s side recording their worst ever Premier League home performance.
Aston Villa are the best team in the Premier League at home.
There are only three teams in the Premier League this season who have taken fewer points than Burnley.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, top the division with 25 points from 27 overall.
Only Sheffield United have denied Unai Emery victory so far.
Kompany has so far relied on Burnley’s away form to keep his Lancashire side safe.
They have collected eight away points with two wins and two draws in nine outings.
But Sutton predicted Aston Villa will hand Burnley their sixth defeat in nine wins.
Chris Sutton predicts Ollie Watkins could lead to a 2-0 win for Burnley.
Aston Villa – Sheffield United – Premier LeaguePhoto: James Bayliss – AMA/Getty ImagesCeltic hero Sutton Watkins is expected to return to inspire Aston Villa to a 2-0 win over Burnley on Saturday.
The 28-year-old has not scored in the last two games, taking his tally to nine goals in 12 games.
He also had four assists during the forward’s hitting streak. Watkins has eight assists and nine goals in 19 Premier League games so far this season.
So Sutton Watkins predicts Burnley will not be able to keep Emery ‘quiet’ as he leads Aston Villa to victory.
He believes the Clarets’ away record will not be enough on Saturday.
“Aston Villa made mistakes in the last two games against Sheffield United and Manchester United and I thought they would get six wins,”
Sutton told BBC Sport. “Villa manager Unai Emery said he was still happy with 39 points after the defeat at Old Trafford and he was right to point out that they have achieved so much.
But they will no doubt be disappointed they didn’t persevere last week.
“But they have to come back here.” Burnley took more points in this game than in the home game.
“But I don’t see them silencing Ollie Watkins.”
