Burnley have been a revelation this season and are continuing to push the barriers of possibilities in the Premier League. No one expected them to go 2-0 up in the first half against Manchester United at Old Trafford. But they did in their Boxing Day fixture and put up a resolute display even though they had to settle for a draw.
With a crucial point, the Clarets have taken a healthy 6 point gap ahead of Leicester City in the 7th spot of the league table. Huddersfield Town are expected to have a hard time breaking down the defensive structure of Sean Dyche’s men at the Kirklees Stadium.
The Terriers are writing a similar story of their own this season with just 2 losses in the month of December and sitting pretty in the 11th spot. David Wagner gameplay has so far been effective in grinding out results to stay well away from the relegation zone.
With Burnley contending for a European spot by the end of the season and Huddersfield motivated to maintain their current league position this can turn out to be a thrilling matchup with a lot of goals from both sides.
Dyche usually implements the 4-4-1-1 lineup and is expected to do the same for this fixture :
Defence
Nick Pope’s career is thriving with the first choice keeper, Tom Heaton currently serving a spell on the sidelines with injury. The 25-year-old is expected to take his spot in between the sticks.
Stephen Ward is still not fit after picking up a knee injury in their 1-0 win against Stoke City. Charlie Taylor has replaced him in the left-back position for the past couple of games might start again for this match.
Matthew Lowton should also expect a return to the starting XI from the right-back position over Phil Bardsley.
James Tarkowski’s injury is also a huge blow for Dyche and he should be replaced with Kevin Long alongside Ben Mee in the centre-back position.
Midfield
Jack Cork and Steven Defour are predictable starters in the holding midfield role.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson has been a crucial figure in the Burnley setup this season with 5 assists to his name. He is expected to start on the right wing with the 29-year-old Canadian, Scott Arfield on the left.
Attack
Jeff Hendrick is the best option in the shadow striker role and is expected to start in fixture Ashley Barnes. Their defensive responsibilities might be significantly reduced for this matchup and should look to improve their goal tally.
Sam Vokes might make a substitute appearance in the second half.
