Predicted Burnley Line-up To Face Stoke City In The Premier League
Burnley host a struggling Stoke City side on the 13th of December to add fuel to the fire they have created so far this season. With 28 points already, they are surprisingly fighting for top-6, staying on level terms with Tottenham Hotspur. The Clarets have won 5 out of their last 7 games in the league, which has seen them rise to become one of the biggest surprise packages of the season.
Sean Dyche’s side has been highly formidable in defence, proving to be the third best defence in the league, having conceded just 12 goals so far. They are behind the Manchester clubs who have conceded 11 each. For a side that won just one game away from home the whole of last season, they are showing great resilience and are setting an example as to how to settle into the Premier League.
While going forward, they might not be the most prolific but Chris Wood and co. know how to fight until the end, show their character and score a match-winning goal. On the other hand, Stoke City have been leaking goals, have looked awful, often without answers. They are sitting just 3 points above 18th placed West Ham who look to be on the rise. Given the current form and the way things are going at Turf Moor, one would say this is an easy fixture for the Clarets.
Team News
Robbie Brady and Jonathan Walters are sidelined for long-term due to severe knee injuries. Matt Lowton will go through a late fitness test and hence, remains a doubt. This could see Phil Bardsley feature against his former club. The good news is that Ben Mee is set to return.
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Manager: Sean Dyche
Defence
Nick Pope will start in Tom Heaton’s absence. He has been instrumental in Burnley’s success so far and has come up with a few fantastic saves over the weeks.
Stephen Ward will play as a left fullback. He has stood his ground, been disciplined and has kept wingers in check. if not win a crunching tackle.
Phil Bardsley will be aiming to defend neatly against his old club. He is strong, sturdy and good in the air.
James Tarkowski, who has been their best defender this season, will hope to continue the normal services. The Englishman has made vital blocks throughout the course of the season and been a successful tackler. Ben Mee will probably play alongside him.
Midfield
With four in the midfield, the hard-working, fine passer in Jack Cork will feature in the middle of the park. Steven Defour should play as the next holding midfielder. The Belgian sits deeper, wins possession back and reads the game really well.
Scott Arfield, whose winner secured all three points against the Hornets, should play in an advanced right wing role. Gudmundsson is quite strong, loves to link up, get his shot away and play as central as possible, which creates a direct goal scoring threat. He will play down the left.
Attack
Jeff Hendrick should play behind the striker. He is very composed on the ball, moves the play forward rather easily and has superb physicality.
The highly talented Chris Wood should spearhead the attack. His presence in the box and movement is scintillating.