After a tremendous season at Turf Moor that saw Burnley coach Sean Dyche drawing praises from critics all around the world, Burnley see themselves increasingly close to being relegated next season, if they don’t get things under control now.
The Clarets sit in the 16th position at the moment with 36 points, just five points ahead of 18th placed Swansea City, and given the teams, they will be facing in the remaining fixtures, Dyche will surely have to be cautious and get the basics right. Burnley are known for their home form this season and they are still having two home games left before the season ends.
While home games are less of a concern for Dyche, away games will be a huge scare. The Clarets are yet to win a single game away from home this season, and the last time that happened was back in 1902-03 season. They have collected just four out of a possible 51 away points so far and their next game is away from home against an in-form Crystal Palace side.
And Burnley’s record against the Eagles away isn’t very encouraging. They are winless in the last 10 games in all competitions in their backyard.
Strongest Burnley XI vs Crystal Palace
Defence
Tom Heaton will take his position under the bar. The 31-year-old shot-stopper has been an inspiration for the side, who has pulled out some miraculous saves in big matches. The manager will hope for the same this time as they visit Selhurst Park.
The defensive flanks will be taken by Stephen Ward and Matthew Lowton. And it goes without saying that the duo will have an uphill task on their hands covering for Wilfred Zaha and Andros Townsend. The Palace wingers have been very dangerous of late with teams like Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham finding it difficult to handle.
The central defence will be taken by the regular Michael Keane and Ben Mee. The defensive duo has been phenomenal this season and the remaining games might be the last few they will play together. Keane is a hot prospect in the transfer market and is almost a sure departure at the end of the season.
Midfield
Burnley have almost always relied on a four-man midfield this season and we don’t expect anything different this time. George Boyd and Robbie Brady will take the flanks and will be in charge of making the most of whatever little chances they get.
The midfield, however, will see a major change with Steven Defour replacing the controversial Joey Barton, who takes immediate retirement from the game after accepting all betting-related charges against him. Defour will start alongside Jeff Hendrick.
Attack
Andre Gray and Ashley Barnes took the charge of attack last game and they should continue to do that.
