How Hull City are shaping up ahead of Burnley as the Tigers aim to end James Trafford's dream
Hull City have the chance to do something no team has done since last year when they take on promotion-chasing Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday night, and that's become the first side in 11 outings to score against Scott Parker's stout rearguard.
It's nine games and counting in the Championship and now one in the FA Cup at Southampton on Saturday since the Clarets last conceded a goal, and James Trafford's hopes of getting JJ Watt out of retirement edge closer.
Trafford last conceded a league goal in the 2-1 home win over Watford on December 21, and shortly after that, he called on the former NFL star turned Burnley investor to come out of retirement and join the Bengals.
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Watt then challenged the ex-Manchester City youngster to not concede a goal for the rest of the season, and so far, Trafford has kept his part of the bargain with 10 shut-outs on the spin.
Trafford was in sensational form in January, keeping five clean sheets and saving two penalties in the goalless draw against Sunderland, form which saw him nominated for the Player of the Month.
In total, Burnley have kept an astonishing 22 clean sheets so far this term, which is a club record. In fact, Parker's men have conceded just nine goals all season, with only four coming at Turf Moor, and five away, including one at City in the 1-1 draw back in October when Xavier Simons crashed the Tigers in front before half-time, only for Zian Flemming to snatch a point 13 minutes from time.
The Clarets have also yet to lose at home in their 15 games, winning seven and drawing eight, and expect to seal automatic promotion straight back to the Premier League, but City will go to Turf Moor in good heart.
Despite losing at home to Stoke City last weekend, the Tigers have won their last three on the road and have done so without conceding a goal. Wins at Blackburn Rovers and Millwall were backed up by that fantastic 3-0 win at Sheffield United, and City will fancy their chances of causing another upset.
