The Clarets could really put the pressure on automatic promotion rivals, QPR this Saturday if they beat Bournemouth in the Goldsands Stadium. They would be six points clear by the time QPR play Reading at home the day after.
The Pre-amble:
The Clarets have had a great week so far after beating Bolton away 1-0 on Tuesday night on the back of Saturday`s 3-1 home win over Millwall. Burnley have now begun to consolidate their position in 2nd spot and although having played a game more are now three points clear of third-placed QPR with a significantly better goal difference. QPR face a tricky home game against sixth-placed Reading on Sunday the day after Burnley play Bournemouth away in the Goldsands Stadium aka Dean Court! If the Clarets can beat the Cherries, by the time QPR kick-off, they could be psychologically hampered knowing they are six points behind Burnley despite a two game advantage! QPR could be under pressure knowing they have to win against a promotion chasing rival, But what are our chances of beating Bournemouth, led of course by former Clarets gaffer, Eddie Howe?
In terms of relative form and position in the table, Burnley must be clear favourites to win this one. Bournemouth have done well since their promotion from League One last season though and they certainly don`t seem to be looking over their shoulder at the drop zone. They are basically a mid-table side unlikely to reach the play-offs or be dragged into a relegation dogfight. The Cherries are currently 15th with 35 points from 29 games, eleven points clear of the bottom three but also 12 points off the top six positions and 24 points behind the Clarets albeit having played one game less. This is exactly the sort of game the Clarets need to win if they are to be serious automatic promotion contenders. Games are beginning to run out now with just 16 matches still to play. Time to plough on lads! Up the Clarets!
AFC Bournemouth Team News:
Cherries defender Charlie Daniels is in Italy to see a specialist as he attempts to speed up his return from injury. The 27 year old was injured early in their recent 2-1 victory over Huddersfield and looks set to be out for up to three weeks. Veteran defender Ian Harte is likely to get an extended run in Eddie Howe`s team. Clarets fans hoping to see former loan, Josh McQuoid will be disappointed. Peterborough United have signed the Bournemouth forward on loan this week until the end of the season.
Player to watch: Lewis Grabban
Lewis Grabban is the Cherries leading goal scorer so far this season with 13 goals. The 26 year old striker joined the Cherries in May 2012 from Rotherham for a fee believed to be around £300,000 and since that time has notched up 26 goals in 70 appearances. His previous clubs include Crystal Palace, Millwall and Brentford with additional loan spells at Oldham and Motherwell. He signed a new three-and-a-half year deal last month.
Burnley Team News:
Sean Dyche appears to have the luxury of virtually a fully fit squad with no injuries or suspensions to worry about again, at least in terms of the starting eleven. Only Brian Stock is currently on the treatment table having missed the Bolton game with a twisted back injury. Keith Treacy will be hoping for a return after missing out on Tuesday night.
Player to watch: Scott Arfield
Arfield has been in impressive form recently and could be the surprise package against the Cherries. He could be too hot to handle down the flank for the hosts, so let`s hope if he doesn`t score himself he can at least help former Cherry strikers, Ings and Vokes add to their impressive goal tally for the season.
Team & Tactics:
With no news of any fresh injuries, Dyche could name the same starting eleven for the fifth consecutive game and might even name the same eighteen as that selected for the Bolton game. If he does we will line-up as follows:
Heaton, Trippier, Duff, Shackell, Mee, Jones, Kightly, Marney, Arfield, Vokes, Ings
Subs: Cisak, Long, Lafferty, Edgar, Stanislas, Wallace, Barnes.
Ref Watch:
Oxfordshire referee, Graham Scott gets this one! This will be his second game this season involving the Clarets. His first looks to be a good omen since it was our 1-0 win at Ipswich back in October. He has been in charge of 21 games so far this season and has already sent off an amazing 10 players (almost a rate of 1-in-2!). Another 71 have seen yellow!! In the Ipswich game though, not one card of any colour was flashed! Heck that`s lucky!
Match Prediction:
The Cherries are a pretty average side in the middle of the table. They have done well though since their promotion under former Clarets gaffer, Eddie Howe and they look safe from any relegation threat. That could be to the Clarets advantage although Eddie Howe will have a point to prove. Hopefully though Danny Ings and Sam Vokes, both former Bournemouth players will have too and both will be hoping to add to their joint 40 goal tally for the season so far! 2-0 Clarets!
Next Match:
It will be a pretty big game at Turf Moor on Saturday 22nd February with Nottingham Forest the visitors to Turf Moor. At the time of writing, Forest who have been on a bit of a charge in recent times are currently in 5th spot, five points behind the Clarets. (Kick-off: 3pm)
