Predicted Burnley XI To Face Stoke City
Burnley will play hosts to Mark Hughes’ Stoke City on Tuesday when they go head to head against the Potters at the Turf Moor in the midweek round of Premier League fixtures.
The Clarets will come into the game after facing a 2-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at home and are winless the last 7 games. Burnley are 15th in the league standings, just 5 points above the relegation zone and will be itching for a victory to take them away from the bottom half of the table.
The last time the two teams met, Burnley were handed a 2-0 defeat by the Potters at the bet365 Stadium and Sean Dyche would be looking to avoid a similar result on Tuesday night.
Team News
Johann Berg-Gudmundsson is close to a return from his knee injury, but Tuesday might come a little too soon for him. Dean Marney has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Other than these two players, Burnley have a clean bill of health.
Probable Burnley Playing XI
Formation: 4-4-2
Manager: Sean Dyche
Tom Heaton (GK)
The 30-year old shot-stopper has been a mainstay in the line-up for Burnley. He will once again start the game between the sticks on Tuesday night.
Matthew Lowton (RB)
On the right-side of the defence, Dyche will stick to Matthew Lowton. The 27-year old has just missed 2 games throughout the season and is set to make his 29th league appearance.
Michael Keane (CB)
At the centre of the backline, Burnley have one of the best centre-halves in the league in Michael Keane. The former Manchester United man is a definite starter.
Ben Mee (CB)
Partnering Keane will be Burnley’s defensive stalwart Ben Mee. The 27-year old has been equally good; if not better than Keane but has been overshadowed by his teammate’s performances. He is another certain starter.
Stephen Ward (LB)
And completing the backline will be Stephen Ward at left-back. The 31-year old has missed just one league game and is a reliable presence at the back for Burnley.
George Boyd (RM)
Out on the right-flank, we will continue to see the industrious George Boyd. The 31-year old has just one goal this term but continues to enjoy the trust of the manager and will start again on Tuesday.
Jeff Hendrick (CM)
In the middle of the park, it will be summer arrival, Jeff Hendrick. The Irishman has been a regular in the team since his return from injury and should keep his place in the playing XI.
Steven Defour (CM)
Alongside Hendrick, we expect to see a change as Steven Defour comes into the fray to replace Joey Barton. The Belgian had been sidelined due to injuries and made a return against Tottenham, as he came on from the bench. May get a start on Tuesday.
Robbie Brady (LM)
On the left-flank, we expect to see another change with Robbie Brady starting the game in place of Scott Arfield, who hasn’t been all that effective in recent weeks.
Ashley Barnes (CF)
Up front, Ashley Barnes will continue to lead the line. The 27-year old hasn’t scored in his last 5 games and will be looking to set that right against Stoke.
Andre Gray (ST)
Alongside Barnes, it will be the club’s leading goalscorer Andre Gray. Gray has scored 8 times so far this season and will look to add more to his tally on Tuesday.