Burnley will be back to their cherished home ground, Turf Moor, as they resume their domestic league campaign against the mighty Tottenham Hotspur this Saturday. The Clarets currently sit in the 13th position in the league table with 32 points. And the fact that they have collected 29 points out of that on their home turf speaks a lot about their strength going into the game.
A survival in the league and finishing in a good position could pave the way for numerous players to come to the side next season and Sean Dyche is well aware of that. However, Tottenham will undoubtedly be a tricky challenge. Burnley have managed to win just one of their five league games against Spurs, which came back in 2010.
And while on paper, Pochettino’s men are the stronger among the two, Burnley are the only side in the Premier League history to win such an enormous proportion of their home games (83%). And Dyche will hugely bank on that record when they welcome the Lilywhites.
Strongest Possible Burnley XI vs Tottenham Hotspur
Defence
Dyche is having a fully fit squad at his disposal for the crucial fixture. The position between the sticks will no doubt be taken by their star shot-stopper, Tom Heaton. The 30-year-old Englishman has led Burnley from the back with some of the most astounding saves of the season. He has conceded 35 goals in 27 outings and is a significant factor in Burnley’s successful season.
The back four should pretty much be the same that stopped Sunderland at their backyard last game. The left defensive flank should be taken by Stephen Ward, while the other one by Matthew Lowton. The ever-reliable duo of Ben Mee and Michael Keane at the central defence will start once again.
Midfield
Burnley’s four-man midfield is likely to change slightly from the last match as their star signing Robbie Brady is expected to start on the left flank replacing Scott Arfield. The other flank should be taken by the Scotsman, George Boyd.
The central midfield of Jeff Hendrick and Joey Barton is expected to start. After the season-ending injury to Dean Marney, this is the best blend of experience and physicality Dyche has with him.
Attack
The front two strikers should remain unchanged with Andre Gray and Ashley Barnes. Barnes has a habit of scoring against Spurs as he has done that already in two of the last three meetings.
