Burnley take on League One Swindon Town at the County Ground in the third round of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night.
The Pre-amble:
The Clarets will want to avoid a slip-up against lower league opposition on Tuesday night when they face somewhat high-flying League One Swindon Town at the County Ground in the third round of the Capital One Cup. Swindon managed by controversial and high profile manager, Paolo Di Canio will be no push over! The League 2 Champions are going for it this season backed by an ambitious board determined to give the gaffer the players he needs to get a promotion for the second season running. Although they had a recent blip they are still 5th in League One with promotion hopes still very much alive. The Clarets will need to be on their guard in the Cup as well. Swindon`s home form is pretty impressive having only lost one league game in the last year and they are getting a bit of a reputation for giant killing. They beat Wigan 2-1 in the FA Cup last season and Stoke City 4-3 in the last round of the Capital One Cup! Ouch!!
Swindon Town Team News:
Swindon have been unchanged for their last two games but Paolo Di Canio could still be tempted to change his starting line-up. Striker James Collins and right back Nathan Thompson though look set to retain their starting places for Swindon. Collins returning to fitness after an injury successfully completed 53 minutes in their 4-0 defeat of Bournemouth on Saturday while Thompson starred against the Cherries being a key player in the back four.
Federico Bessone is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench with Paolo di Canio selecting Jay McEveley against Bournemouth and impressing in that clash.
Player to watch: Matt Ritchie
23 year old Matt Ritchie was League Two player of the year last season and he is constantly getting media attention highlighting what a threat he can be. The right winger signed from Portsmouth in January 2011 for an undisclosed fee following a couple of loan spells after agreeing a two-and-a-half year deal.
Burnley Team News:
Eddie Howe is sweating over the fitness of former West Ham winger, Junior Stanislas. The 22-year-old midfielder was replaced by Cameron Stewart after 45 minutes in our 2-1 win at Derby on Saturday with a hamstring problem, and the club will assess the player’s fitness before the game at the County Ground. Michael Duff also remains a doubt with an Achilles problem and Danny Ings continues to be sidelined as he recovers from torn cartilage surgery.
Player to watch: Charlie Austin
Austin may well think he has something to prove against his former club and a home crowd likely to give him stick for being too ambitious and wanting to move on. A hat-trick and a brace in his last two games despite an injury in between suggest he won`t have to try too hard!
Team & Tactics:
Stanislas looks a doubt but thankfully we have enough wingers in the squad if Junior doesn`t make it! It is doubtful we shall see Treacy make a return but stranger things have happened and of course we also have forgotten wingman, George Porter. I suspect though it could be Wallace and Stewart taking up the slots on the flank. I can`t see Howe trying any experiments in this one despite lower league opposition. We have to put out our strongest squad and that means going for glory with two up front! Paterson for an hour then Vokes keeping Charlie company as he tries to batter his former club!!
Right then no messing about, here is my predicted selection assuming Stanislas is sidelined:
Grant, Trippier, Shackell, Edgar, Mee, Wallace, Marney, McCann, Stewart, Austin, Paterson
Subs: Jensen, Mills, Duff, Stock, Bartley, Porter, Vokes.
Match Prediction:
I have to say, we could find this one a hard battle and it could easily go to extra time and even penalties. I am going to be positive, we will sneak it 2-1 after 90 minutes!
Next Match:
The Championship battle returns against Millwall at Turf Moor on Saturday 25th September (Kick-Off 3pm)
