If the Clarets beat Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat on Tuesday night they will go top of the league.
The Pre-amble:
The Clarets remarkable season could become even more remarkable on Tuesday night if they manage to beat newly promoted, Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat. Burnley are currently second to QPR, just three points behind them with a better goal difference. QPR do not play in midweek so Burnley could be top by the time Saturday`s games kick off at the weekend. In terms of relative form, Burnley should have the advantage unless they have an off-night. Paul Dickov`s men have had an indifferent start to the season. They are currently in 17th spot with nine points, five away from the drop zone. The Yorkshire club`s tails though could be up following 1?0 away win against local rivals, Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. Their only win at home was a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rivals so hopefully they won`t be able to beat the better of the two East Lancashire rival teams! In their other three league home games they have lost two and drawn one so an early goal by the Clarets could really put the hosts under pressure. Come on you Clarets!! When was the last time we were top of the Championship league table, can anybody recall?
Doncaster Rovers Team News:
On-loan Manchester City right-back Reece Wabara limped off with a toe injury during the closing stages of the 2-2 home draw with Nottingham Forest nine days ago and missed the derby victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough at the weekend. He now faces a late fitness check. Midfielder Harry Forrester has also suffered an injury setback and could be out for another six weeks He has suffered from an ankle injury since joining Paul Dickov’s side from Brentford in the summer with his torn quad and he now has a tear to his quad. Marc de Val Fernandez has also stepped up his recovery from a knee ligament injury but he is not yet capable of full training. Defender, Jamie McCombe too remains sidelined.
Player to watch: Federico Macheda
Rovers signed 22 year old Manchester United striker, Federico Macheda on loan for a month earlier in September and they are very much hoping they can extend this to the maximum 93 days allowed! He has already scored three goals for them in as many games since making his debut including a brace in their recent 2-2 home draw with Forest. Macheda then followed that up with the winning goal in their 1-0 away win against the Owls last Saturday.
Burnley Team News:
One person who will definitely miss out is Dean Marney. He picked up his fifth yellow card on Saturday against Charlton and now sits out an automatic one match suspension. Ross Wallace appears to be our only injured player though with no news of any knocks picked up from the Addicks clash. Wallace is on track for a return around Christmas time following knee surgery a few weeks back to correct a ‘wear and tear` injury.
Player to watch: Sam Vokes
Can Vokes carry on where he left off on Saturday against Charlton? That brace of goals last Saturday could easily spur Vokes on to score more and with his strike partner, Danny Ings for company who knows what the pair could achieve with the two of them in such sparkling form.
Team & Tactics:
With Dean Marney suspended the big question is who will partner Jones in centre midfield. David Edgar would probably be the normal choice but Brian Stock could also be in contention against his former club. Dyche may well select Stock ahead of Edgar. Stock should be up for this one and he impressed recently in the Forest COCUP clash last week. I would not at all be surprised to see Stock make his first Championship start of the season. Other than that assuming there are no other injury concerns, I suspect Dyche will select virtually the same starting eleven (minus Marney of course). That would mean a line-up as follows :
Heaton, Trippier, Shackell, Duff, Mee, Kightly, Stock (or Edgar), Jones, Arfield, Ings, Vokes
Subs: Cisak, Lafferty, Long, Edgar (or Stock), Stanislas, Treacy, Noble
Ref Watch:
Roger East gets this one. The Wiltshire referee is one of the Premier League`s most recent recruits after a successful spell as a Football League referee. After impressing during the 2012/13 season, East earned a permanent spot in the Select Group of Premier League officials from the 2013/14 season. In his four games so far this season, only 7 seven yellow cards have been shown with nobody yet sent off. Last season his tally was 6 reds and 147 yellows from 44 matches. His last game involving the Clarets was the away game at Crystal Palace back in October 2012. Sadly we lost that one narrowly 4-3 in a seven goal thriller. Just two yellow cards were shown that day!
Match Prediction:
Just hope the thought of being top of the league doesn`t faze the lads! If we play like we have been, then we should be able to pick up another three points on the road. I will do with a 2-1 Clarets victory.
Next Match:
Games are coming quick and fast at the moment! Next up is Reading at home on Saturday 5th October 2013 (Kick-Off: 3pm)
