Burnley, currently top of the table return after the international break on Saturday, with a game against Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
The Pre-amble:
The Clarets are back on Championship duty this Saturday following the international break and they will be hoping to keep their impressive start to the season going. They are currently of course in top spot with 26 points from 11 games. They lead QPR in second spot on goal difference although have played a game more. Next up is a visit to Portman Road this Saturday to play Ipswich Town. This ground could not be described as ‘happy hunting` with Burnley`s last and only victory being 44 years ago but hopefully it is now time to put that jinx to bed.. The Clarets have now had an unbeaten run of nine games including eight wins and their away form has also been impressive. They have suffered just one defeat so far this season away to Brighton back in August so let`s hope the form continues and we remain top of the table after the weekend games. Mick McCarthy`s men though will be no pushover. The Blues are in eleventh spot with 15 points from 11 games only five points off the play-offs spots. Although they lost at home to Leeds they have won their other four games at Portman Road and will be keen to keep their home form going. Burnley though will now be seeking their best start to a season since Victorian times! The Clarets have already made their best start to a league campaign for 52 years, but one more win would make it their most successful opening since 1897! Back then they notched up 10 wins and one draw in their first 12 matches. I am sure some of us remember it well!! (Cough)
Ipswich Town Team News:
McCarthy does not appear to have any injuries or suspensions to worry about and looks likely to name an unchanged team. The Blues gaffer has kept faith with an unchanged side for the last four matches and will most probably decide to keep the same starting eleven on Saturday in view of their current form.
Player to watch: David McGoldrick
McGoldrick is Ipswich`s top scorer this season so far with five goals. The 25 year old signed a two year deal in July 2013 after moving permanently from Nottingham Forest following a loan spell at Portman Road last season.
Burnley Team News:
Ross Wallace appears to be our only injured player. Wallace is on track for a return around Christmas time following knee surgery a few weeks back to correct a ‘wear and tear` injury. There were injury concerns during the international break regarding both Danny Ings and Sam Vokes. Both strikers picked up ankle knocks whilst on international duty but both are now thought to have fully recovered. There was also a worrying injury to Trippier at the end of our last game before the break at home to Reading and at one point after the final whistle he looked like he could be stretchered off. In the end he was carried off by two of the physios instead. It looks like the two week break came at a good time for Trips and the latest news is that he has now fully recovered.
Player to watch: Michael Kightly
Sean Dyche has been singing the winger`s praises recently and he is now getting back to full match fitness after having not had many first team games before his arrival from Stoke City on loan. His influence on the games could now become more evident so let`s hope he continues his progress on Saturday.
Team & Tactics:
With no further injuries or suspensions to worry about, Burnley are likely to put out a familiar-looking starting eleven and subs bench. So that would be:
Heaton, Trippier, Shackell, Duff, Mee, Kightly, Marney, Jones, Arfield, Ings, Vokes
Subs: Cisak, Lafferty, Long, Edgar, Stock, Stanislas, Treacy
Ref Watch:
Graham Scott will referee this game. It will be only his third game in charge of a match involving the Clarets. The last time was our game last season away to Brighton last February. The Oxfordshire referee so far this season has been lethal in showing red cards! Five players have already been sent off in just seven games. In two of those games, two players were each sent off! 26 yellow cards have also been shown!
Match Prediction:
It would be nice to think we could shade this one and get a rare victory at Portman Road under our belt. Ipswich though have only lost one at home this season so a 1-1 draw looks a more likely outcome and I would be happy with a point.
Next Match:
It`s the big top of the table clash on Saturday 26th October with QPR currently in second spot the visitors to Turf Moor (Kick-Off:3pm). The Clarets will be hoping they are still top by the time they play their main challengers. It is an intriguing game with former Burnley fans favourite, striker Charlie Austin likely to be lining up against his former teammates.
