The Clarets will be hoping to secure second place on Tuesday night when they face struggling Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok.
The Pre-amble:
Burnley are currently in second spot on goal difference ahead of QPR having played a game more. If QPR lose to fourth placed Derby at Pride Park tonight (Monday 10th February) the Clarets will remain in second spot ahead of their Tuesday night`s clash away to Bolton. Any other result on Monday night will see Burnley slip to third place but with a clear five goal advantage over the Rs at the moment victory against Bolton should see the Clarets back in the second automatic promotion spot.
Bolton are having a torrid time of things at the moment and are currently looking over their shoulders at the relegation places. They are 19th currently with only 29 points from 29 games and that is just five points clear of the drop zone having also played a game more than the bottom three clubs. Dougie Freedman`s men have not won in the Championship over the last seven games; their last victory was the 1-0 win at Barnsley on Boxing Day. The Clarets also have an ideal opportunity to capitalise on Bolton`s poor home form. They have won only two of their 14 home games in the Championship this season, both against fellow relegation-threatened clubs namely Millwall and Doncaster.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Dougie Freedman will hoping striker Jermaine Beckford can prove his fitness in time for Tuesday night. He has not played since 11th January having suffered a hamstring injury but it is thought he could soon be back in action. Meanwhile keeper Adam Bogdan looks set to retain his place.
Player to watch: Lukas Jutkiewicz
Bolton signed striker Lukas Jutkiewicz on loan from Middlesbrough for the remainder of the season in the January window and he opened his account with a goal in Bolton`s 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth on Saturday. The 24-year-old strengthens a Wanderers attack short on options following an injury to Jermaine Beckford and David Ngog’s move to Swansea. Beckford could return on Tuesday night so it will be interesting to see if Jutkiewicz remains in the starting eleven.
Burnley Team News:
Sean Dyche has the luxury of a fully fit squad with no injuries or suspensions to worry about.
Player to watch: Kieran Trippier
Trippier is the driving force behind the team at times with his trademark crossing, pinpoint passing and surging runs down the flank. He is a handful for most teams and that should include Bolton. That`s before we even mention his defensive qualities!
Team & Tactics:
Dyche could name the same starting eleven for the fourth consecutive game and may even name the same eighteen for the second game running. If he does we will line-up as follows:
Heaton, Trippier, Duff, Shackell, Mee, Jones, Kightly, Marney, Arfield, Vokes, Ings
Subs: Cisak, Long, Edgar, Treacy, Stanislas, Wallace, Barnes
He might however be tempted to be more defence-minded away from home and prefer to have more back-four/defensive midfield options on the bench rather than name three wingers amongst the seven substitutes. Danny Lafferty and Brian Stock could therefore be back in contention.
Ref Watch:
Graham Salisbury will referee Tuesday’s Championship derby. The Lancashire Official has been in charge of 18 matches so far this season issuing 56 yellow cards whilst sending off just one player. You have to go back to 2010 for his last game in charge involving the Clarets. It was the Carling Cup tie at Morecambe in August that year. We won 3-1 and five yellow cards were shown that day!
Match Prediction:
There is no reason based on relative form why we couldn`t come away from the Reebok with three points for a change. 2-1 to Burnley!
Next Match:
The Clarets face a long trip down to Dorset on Saturday 15th February when they will square up to Eddie Howe`s AFC Bournemouth in the Goldsands Stadium (Dean Court to you and me!) Kick-Off: 3pm
