Burnley are enjoying a dream start to their 2017-18 season. In a season where the good teams like Everton and West Ham United have failed to turn up, The Clarets have gone about their business quietly. They are now sixth in the table and fighting hard against the top six sides of England. Their achievement becomes even more impressive when it is noted that they are just one point behind fifth-placed Arsenal and ahead of seventh-placed Tottenham Hotspur by one point. In fact, Sean Dyche’s team is just two points off a Champions League spot.
They have notched up nine wins and just been defeated on four occasions in their 18 matches this season. A strange number amidst all these stats is the fact that they have just scored 16 goals in the process in their matches. It means they well outside the top ten in terms of goals scored but however has still been able to stay sixth on the table. The credit obviously goes to Sean Dyche’s defensive infrastructure at Burnley. They have been incredibly difficult to get past and barring Chelsea and Manchester City no other team has been able to break their defence on more than one occasion in ninety minutes.
However, to keep up this good form and possibly challenge for a European spot, Burnley will need to add goals to their game. In their last match against Stoke City, they came away with all 3 points with a typical 1-0 scoreline. As they prepare to host Tottenham Hotspur for the weekend fixture, Dyche’s men will want to win all three points again and keep their dream of playing European football next season alive.
Here is how Dyche will look to set his team up for the Tottenham Hotspur fixture.
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Defence
Nick Pope will be expected in goal for Burnley for the match against Spurs. Dyche is unlikely to tamper with his defence that has performed so well this season but injuries and suspensions will force his hand. Phil Bardsley will be expected in right back position with Stephen Ward in the left back place, although his knee might make him an uncertain starter. Kevin Long will be expected to partner Ben Mee in the absence of James Tarkowski at the heart of the defence.
Midfield
The dynamic Robbie Brady will be missing from action and Scott Arfield can be expected to play in the left wing position. The right-wing position will most probably be occupied by Johann Berg Gudmundsson. The stylish Steven Defour will be one of the central midfielders alongside Jack Cork.
Attack
Jeff Hendrick will play as the withdrawn forward with New Zealand international Chris Wood expected to lead the line.
