Predicted Burnley line-up to face Istanbul Basaksehir in the Europa League qualifier
After playing out an enthralling 0-0 draw against Southampton on the opening day, Burnley will be gearing up for their Europa League play-off against Istanbul Basaksehir. The first leg ended 0-0 at the Turkish outfit’s home and Sean Dyche will be aiming for an inspired performance at Turf Moor.
The atmosphere will certainly be brilliant as Burnley bid for a return to Europe after a 51-year wait. The Clarets looked confident in their game against the Saints. They were well-drilled at the back and created a number of opportunities going forward.
Sean Dyche has no new injury concerns with just Nick Pope and Steven Defour currently on the sidelines. Tom Heaton was back in the matchday squad against Southampton but was left on bench with Joe Hart starting in goal.
Probable Burnley XI
Manager: Sean Dyche
Formation: 4-4-2
Joe Hart (GK)
Though Tom Heaton is back, Joe Hart should start. Heaton has been out of action for far too long and Sean Dyche can’t take the risk in a game of this magnitude.
Matthew Lowton (RB)
Lowton was impressive for the Clarets in their last game against Southampton. His raids down the wing proved to be fruitful for Burnley.
Ben Mee (CB)
Mee has been one of Burnley’s most reliable and committed defenders over the years. He will definitely be up for a challenge in this game.
Ben Gibson (CB)
Burnley’s new centre-back signing was on the bench against Southampton and should be handed a start in this game. He is defensively resilient and has proven to be a rock at the back for Middlesbrough over the years.
Stephen Ward (LB)
Ward possesses immense work rate which allows him to run up and down the field constantly. Sean Dyche will need his relentless running for one more game as Burnley are 90 minutes away from making it to the Europa League group stages.
Aaron Lennon (RM)
Lennon’s experience and raids down the right flank will be crucial for Burnley on a night like this.
Ashley Westwood (RCM)
Westwood’s distribution is vital in the middle of the park and he should start this game.
Jack Cork (LCM)
Cork’s presence will bring some much-needed stability in the middle of the park. He is also an able contributor at the back.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson (LM)
One of the Clarets’ main source of supply last season, Gudmundsson will once again prove to be a key member of the squad with his crosses and set-piece prowess. The Icelandic international is their creative presence going forward.
Chris Wood (ST)
The New Zealand international was ruled out of the first leg due to an infection. But he is fit to start this game and should be deployed in his favoured position. Burnley failed to register a single shot on target in the first leg and Wood should help solve that problem.
Read more: Brilliant Hart, Poor Wood – The best and the worst rated Burnley players vs Southampton
Matej Vydra (ST)
Burnley’s new signing was unable to make a start in the Premier League, but he should be handed a debut against the Turkish outfit. There’s every chance Vydra will go out there and get his goal.
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