Burnley's defensive record likened to Mourinho's Chelsea
Tom Cleverley likened the Burnley defence and their record of goals conceded to that of Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.
With only eight goals against in 21 Championship fixtures, the Clarets have the best defensive record in the division.
They have let in only three at home in the league this season, and are unbeaten at Turf Moor in 10 in the Championship – although five of those have been draws.
“They have an absolutely incredible defensive record at this stage of the season, I think they’ve only conceded eight goals in 21 matches,” said Cleverley.
“That goes back to the defensive records of Mourinho’s Chelsea teams.
“We know the test we face but what I would say is we have one of the most exciting attacking units in the league also.
“Saturday is a massive test and I’m excited for it.
“We played a team last week who were unbeaten in 12 games and now we go to a team that I think is unbeaten in eight.
“These are the big days that we’ve been rising to. I think our form against the top-ten teams is quite good.
“It’s another huge challenge for us, and I think we’re arriving there in a good moment.
“We’re unbeaten in six ourselves, with 12 points from those six games.”
Unlike some of the away trips this season, the Hornets are likely to be faced with opponents who want to get the ball down and play.
“I would say our team does like to play against other football teams,” said Cleverley, “but it’s my job to make sure we’re prepared for all challenges in this league as it is one of very contrasting styles.
“We need to improve when we know it’s going to be a bit more rough and ready but I expect it to be a football match this weekend.”
The last time Watford visited Turf Moor was on February 14, 2023, which was also the last time Cleverley was named in a matchday squad – though the fates combined to mean he didn’t actually make it onto the bench that night.
“Burnley were a significant club towards the end of my career,” he recalled.
“My last start came against Burnley, I scored my last goal that night on my birthday.
“Then the last time I was in a matchday squad was at Burnley too, but I got injured in the warm-up.”
Cleverley was an England international alongside Burnley boss Scott Parker.
“I played against him at club level, and we were actually in a couple of England squads together under Capello as well,” said the Hornets head coach.
“I don’t think we ever played a game together, although we were both meant to be playing the night the game against Holland got called off because of riots.
“He’s not someone I know too well, but his teams are very efficient at what they do.
“He’s had great success in this division with Fulham and Bournemouth, and now with Burnley.
“He certainly knows how to get a team out of this division.”
