Relegation-threatened Stoke City will be taking on the high flying Burnley at the Bet365 stadium. Time is running out for the Potters as only 4 games are remaining and they are still five points off the safety zone. One can say this is pretty much a must-win game for them. However, The Clarets won’t be pushovers as they have been punching above their weight this season.
Sean Dyche has transformed his team this season into a bunch of reinvigorated players, making them disciplined and defensively very organised. Burnley are in contention for the top 6 as they are just two points behind Arsenal at this point in time. The Clarets will be harbouring hopes of playing European football next season. They can still be in the running for Europa league qualifications if they finish seventh and Southampton doesn’t win the FA Cup, which, in current form looks highly unlikely for them.
Both Stoke and Burnley are coming on the back of slightly disappointing results. Stoke city lost their lead late into stoppage time against West Ham United as Andy Carroll equalised and Paul Lambert’s men had to be content with just one point. Burnley, who were on a 5 match winning streak, were halted by Chelsea as the Blues keep hopes of Champions League qualification alive.
Sean Dyche’s team is having some injury concerns as first-team regulars like Robie Brady and Ben Mee are expected to miss the clash due to injuries. Other players on the injury list are-N’Koudou, Walters, Steven Defour and Scott Arfield.
Here is how Burnley will most likely line up.
Predicted Formation: 4-4-2
Defence
Even though Tom Heaton is back for selection after lengthy injury layout, Dyche has preferred Nick Pope over him and he will be expected to start between the sticks. Since Ben Mee has been out injured, Kevin Long has done well in his place. However, he had a poor game against Chelsea as he scored an own goal in that encounter. Nevertheless, he is expected to keep his place and will be partnered by Tarkowski. The fullback department will be taken care by Charlie Taylor and Matthew Lowton
Midfield
Westwood and Jack Cork are expected to keep things ticking from the centre of the pitch. Gudmundsson will provide width from the left and Aaron Lennon from the right. Gudmundsson has been impressive in the left midfield position in the absence of the regular Robbie Brady.
Forward
Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood have formed a decent partnership up front and both will be expected to lead the line for their team.
