Aberdeen vs Burnley Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Burnley are preparing for their first European game since the 60s this week, but they aren’t heading too far afield. They visit Aberdeen, in the first leg of this Europa League second round qualifier. The Clarets were exceptional in the Premier League last time out, but can they follow that up with a strong run in Europe? Aberdeen are aiming to avoid another early exit from Europe, but up against English opposition, the Dons may find themselves out of their depth on Thursday night.

The Clarets last played in Europe 51 years ago, so a trip to Scotland is probably a let down. It is a winnable tie for Burnley, and a victory would set up a more interesting meeting with Turkey’s Istanbul Basaksehir. The Premier League side head here as heavy favourites to progress, despite a quiet summer at Turf Moor. They have yet to add to the side which finished seventh last term, and that seems like a concern given their European commitments and thin squad. Can Sean Dyche’s side continue their form from last season without any new blood in the squad?

Aberdeen are having the opposite problem, as they’ve lost plenty of players from last season. They sold leading forward Adam Rooney to Salford for £375,000, a sum which will give them room for manoeuvre in the market. However, losing a key player to a side in the fifth tier of English football shows the state of Scottish football right now. It’s hardly the kind of headline they need ahead of a clash from the Premier League.

Burnley looked like a tough unit last season. They set up in a hard to break down 4-4-2, and Dyche has established an impressive work ethic, which he’s topped up with quality since arriving in the Premier League. They’ve done well over the last two campaigns in the top flight, and they’ll be aiming to follow that up with a strong season in Europe. Can they kick things off with an away win on Thursday night?

Burnley have won back to back away friendlies in preparation for this clash. They’re set to show the gulf between Scottish and English football in this clash. Aberdeen don’t have the great European record of late, slipping up against the likes of Maribor and Siroki Brijeg in recent years. The Clarets finished the season with three wins in five away trips in the league, and we expect them to claim a victory here. Burnley look well priced for an away win in their return to Europe, so we’re backing the Premier League side, and we see them winning 2-1 here.