After a shocking elimination from the FA Cup against non-league Lincoln City, Burnley will have a big task of overturning their away form when they visit KCOM Stadium to face Hull City. The Clarets have just managed one draw away from home this season at Old Trafford, losing every other game. Hence, we expect Hull to be the favourites to back the three points this time.
Defence
Tom Heaton will take his position under the bar. The English keeper has been phenomenal for his side this season and with him fit, Dyche is unlikely to experiment with other options.
The full back-line is expected to return this time. Stephen Ward is likely to take his place on the left-flank replacing Jon Flanagan, and Tendayi Darikwa will give place to the ever reliable Matthew Lowton on the right defensive flank.
Dyche risked using a different combination in the central defence against Lincoln City with James Tarkowski alongside Michael Keane. We expect Ben Mee to return to the starting line-up this time to partner Keane.
Midfield
Ashley Westwood and Joey Barton are likely to continue in the midfield. The duo had a disastrous game last weekend against non-league side Lincoln and Dyche would expect a positive outcome this time. Star midfielder Robbie Brady was rested in the FA Cup clash after he has accentuated his importance in the team with a stunning free-kick against Chelsea, and he is expected to return to the line-up.
Barton was at the receiving end of harsh criticism after his antics against Lincoln City. It was in the second half when Lincoln striker Matt Rhead stuck his arm out to point to something and Barton ran into it before slumping to the ground. The midfielder even justified his actions via Twitter.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson started on the right-wing flank last game and was forced to come off only in the 20th minute as he suffered an ankle injury. The Iceland international hobbled off just 20 minutes after a heavy challenge from Lincoln City midfielder Alan Power, for which he received a yellow card. Dyche couldn’t give rest to his first choice right midfielder George Boyd and there will be a fatigue concern for him going into the game.
Attack
The lone-striker setup, which worked quite well against Chelsea last Premier League game, was changed to two up front against Lincoln City and the results went south. We expect Ashely Barnes play as the number 10 this time behind Andre Gray.
Gray
Barnes
Brady – Westwood – Barton – Boyd
Ward – Mee – Keane – Lowton
Heaton
