Burnley v Birmingham match preview

Burnley manager Owen Coyle has lots of decisions to make regarding his team selection as he hunts a tenth straight win at Turf Moor.

Captain Steven Caldwell is available for the first time this season, and Andre Bikey or Clarke Carlisle could make way to make room for the skipper. Another option for Coyle is to move Bikey into midfield, although he has previously stated that he will use Bikey in defence only.

Chris McCann is sure to be a big losee for the Clarets, and more bad injury news has come this week with Jay Rodriguez and Fernando Guerrero both picking up injuries in Wednesday night's reserve win against Hull. Steven Thompson scored two goals in that game but he will have to be content with a place on the bench.

Coyle is known to like a settled eleven and he may name the same team that were thrashed at Spurs, although the pressure is on to make changes to a midfield that has struggled. However, Kevin McDonald is thought to be struggling with a knee problem, and he may miss out.

Up front David Nugent is likely to keep his place, and Steven Fletcher may start alongside him rather than off the flank.

Birmingham are without their record signing Christian Benitez, as the striker has returned to his Ecuador homeland after his father was involved in a car accident. Marcus Bent and David Murphy are doubts, and James McFadden is expected to join Martin Taylor and Cameron Jerome on the sidelines. Stuart Parnaby and Franck Queudrue could be on line for recalls to the starting eleven.

Up front, Birmingham manager Alex McLeish will choose between Kevin Phillips, Garry O'Connor and Gary McSheffrey for his striking line-up, although he could well match Burnley's expected formation of 4-5-1. Sebastian Larsson will be a threat from set pieces on the left, and experienced men Lee Bowyer, Teemu Tainio and Barry Ferguson will make up the midfield.

Summer signings Scott Dann and Roger Johnson have forget a tight partnership at the heart of the Birmingham back line, the pair presiding over one of the meanest defences in the top flight so far this season. On loan goalkeeper Joe Hart will start in goal, with Gregory Vignal and Stephen Carr expected to keep their places at full back.

Both sides will look at the match as a good chance to pick up a crucial win, but Burnley's 100% home record this season makes them favourites to collect the points, despite the injury woes of the last fortnight. It's likely to be a tight game, and an early goal for either side could be enough.

Prediction: Burnley 1-0 Birmingham.

This article was written for FansOnline Burnley.

Spurs v Burnley match preview

Burnley travel to the scene of their Carling Cup semi-final capitulation still looking for their first goals and points on the road this season to face a Spurs team that have made an impressive start to the campaign.

The Clarets have been rocked by the news that both Chris McCann and Martin Paterson will miss three months of action through knee injuries, but are boosted by Brian Jensen's dead leg not being as bad as first feared. Jensen has a good chance of facing Spurs, but should certainly be back for Burnley's next home game next Saturday against Birmingham.

Steven Caldwell is back in full training but he will have to wait for Clarke Carlisle or Andre Bikey to be unavailable to get his chance to reclaim the captaincy. Temporary skipper Graham Alexander has found his place under question of late but an improved display in the win over Sunderland, coupled with McCann's enforced absence, means he will hold on to his place, with Joey Gudjonsson likely to be McCann's replacement.

David Nugent is a certainty to replace Paterson up front, and Coyle may reshuffle his attacking options further with Chris Eagles and Fernando Guerrero both impressive at Barnsley despite Burnley's exit, and Robbie Blake and Steven Fletcher struggling to get into matches on the road.

A crushing 5-1 win at Deepdale over Preston by Spurs' second string in midweek gives Harry Redknapp a pleasing selection headache. Peter Crouch scored a hat-trick and it would be no surprise to see him return to the team at the expense of Robbie Keane. Jermain Defoe is likely to hold on to his spot as he looks to build on his six goals so far.

Redknapp may replace Gomes in goal with Cudicini and Sebastian Bassong will start in the heart of the back four. Much will depend on the fitness of Ledley King, with Redknapp hopeful his captain will be fit, although a hamstring injury is likely to keep him out. Spurs will also be without Jonathan Woodgate and Giovani Dos Santos, while Luka Modric will be lucky to play again this season after breaking his leg a few weeks ago. Redknapp will have to rejig his defence, with Hutton a possibility to come in at right-back with Vedran Corluka shuffling across to centre-back.

Tom Huddlestone has finally made a midfield spot his own this season and he will continue his partnership with Jermaine Jenas, with Aaron Lennon providing midfield width. Wilson Palocios will offer bite in the centre of the park.

The match up will spark memories of that famous Carling Cup tie, where Burnley completed a stunning comeback to win 3-0 in 90 minutes at Turf Moor to level the score on aggregate. But the Carling Cup rules dictate away goals do not come into play until after extra-time, and Roman Pavyluchenko struck to break Burnley's hearts with a winning goal just a minute and a half time from the final whistle, with Defoe adding undeserved gloss to the scoreline with another late goal.

That painful denial of a trip to Wembley spurred the Clarets on to make the play-off final and ultimately gain promotion to the Premier League, but they will still be looking for revenge over a Spurs team who were incredibly fortunate to make the final of the competition.

Having won their opening four matches of the league season Spurs have stumbled of late with defeats to Chelsea and Manchester United, but they will look at the visit of Burnley as an excellent chance to get back to winning ways. And despite those two losses, Spurs have been one of the more impressive teams in the Premier League this season and a home win is fully expected.

Spurs' pacy attack will be far too much for a Burnley team yet to find their feet away from home, but a goal might at least be forthcoming for the Clarets, which would be a helpful boost ahead of their next away trip down the M65 to Ewood Park.

Prediction: Tottenham 3-1 Burnley.

This article was written for FansOnline Burnley.

Barnsley v Burnley match preview

Burnley were boosted this week by the return of skipper Steve Caldwell to training, but as one Claret left the tratement table, another finds himself confined to it.

Chris McCann will be out of action for at least two months with knee ligament damage, and that means Joey Gudjonsson and Kevin McDonald will scrap for his place in the team at Barnsley tonight. David Nugent is cup-tied after appearing in an earlier round of the competition for parent club Portsmouth, but Michael Duff will inch closer to a retun to the first team with another start.

Owen Coyle will be keen to progress in the competition after last year's run, but he is unlikely to risk important first team players such as Brian Jensen, Clarke Carlisle, Graham Alexander and Robbie Blake. Steven Fletcher scored twice from the bench against Hartlepool in the last round and he may be given the chance to add to his tally with a rare start up front. Martin Paterson could be given another chance to prove himself with Nugent likely to take his place for Saturday's trip to Tottenham, or Coyle could give a run out to Steven Thompson or Jay Rodriguez.

Fernando Guerrero is expected to make another start on the left flank as he closes in on his debut start, and Chris Eagles might be given a chance to sharpen up his fitness.

Coyle might well totally replace the back five from Saturday's win over Sunderland, with three of his summer signings still yet to make an appearance in a league match: David Edgar, Richard Eckersley and Brian Easton. Diego Penny is expected to start in goal while Christian Kalvenes, absent from first team action since the opening day defeat at Stoke, may get a game at left back.

Barnsley have former Burnley forward Andy Gray cup tied as well as Nathan Doyle, and Daniel Bogdanovic, Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Emil Halfredsson are all likely to miss out through injury. Bogdanovic has scored all three of Barnsley's goals in this year's competition so far and he would be a big miss for Mark Robins' team.

The Yorkshiremen have made a poor start to this season, lying in the relegation zone with just five points from their opening eight games. However, four of those points have come from their last two games as their form looks to turn a corner.

Barnsley have former Preston man Jon Macken in their ranks but the striker is without a goal so far this season.

An away win seems inevitable, but Barnsley had a famous cup run under previous boss Simon Davey, and they will be keen to add Burnley to their list of recent Premier League scalps. But Burnley's second string know that this is their chance to impress manager Owen Coyle and they should be too good for a side who look likely to be relegated this season unless they improve markedly.

Prediction: Barnsley 1-3 Burnley

This article was written for FansOnline Burnley.

Burnley v Sunderland match preview

Owen Coyle must decide whether or not to change his eleven after two heavy defeats at Chelsea and Liverpool.

He has Michael Duff available for the first time this season, but the defence is likely to remain unchanged with any changes taking place further up the pitch, and Duff may not even force his way into the squad.

Wade Elliott, Graham Alexander and Martin Paterson are probably the three most vulnerable players after some thoroughly ordinary performances, with Chris Eagles, David Nugent and Kevin McDonald all pushing hard for their first starts in the league of the season.

Coyle is still without his skipper, with former Sunderland man Steven Caldwell still inching towards a full recovery from his groin injury.

Sunderland have problems in goal with both Marton Fulop and Craig Gordon carrying knocks, but one of them, probably Gordon, will be fit enough to start the match. Lee Cattermole is the only other doubt from the Black Cats' first team.

Darren Bent has started the season on fire for his new employers with four league goals already, and he is the man the Clarets back line must keep quiet if they are to keep up their incredible home record at Turf Moor. Burnley have won their last eight at home, only losing at the ground twice this year, and not conceding a goal since March. Kenwyne Jones will provide an aerial threat, partnering Bent up front.

Lorik Cana has made an impressive start in midfield for Sunderland and if Cattermole does miss out he will be under pressure to have a good game in the middle of the park, without adding to his three yellow cards so far this season. The Black Cats have a wealth of options in midfield, with Andy Reid, Kieran Richardson and Steed Malbranque all capable of playing either out wide or in the middle.

Defensively, new Cats boss Steve Bruce - who spent four years on Burnley's books as a youngster, he revealed this week - has strengthened extensively this season, although both John Mensah and Paulo Da Silva are yet to break into the first team. Hull's Michael Turner was the main addition, and he will partner Anton Ferdinand at the heart of the Mackem back line, with former Burnley loanee Phil Bardsley and George McCartney the men likely to start at full-back in a basic 4-4-2 formation.

Burnley may rejig their team, but Coyle is expected to stick with the 4-5-1 shape that has garnered his team a 100% record from their first two home games this season. Sunderland have one win, at Bolton, and one defeat, at Stoke, on the road this season, and they will be looking to build on their finest start to a Premier League campaign in years.

Burnley are the lowest scorers in the division so far, but they have made use of their goals, with Robbie Blake netting the winner against Manchester United and Wade Elliott bagging the goal that sunk Everton. If Burnley do win tomorrow in front of the SKY Sports cameras, they will become the first Premier League team to win their oprning three home games of the season since Blackburn Rovers, of all teams, 17 years ago.

Matches between the two have been memorable in recent years, with Stan Ternent marking his last game in charge of Burnley in front of conga-ing Sunderland fans, and Burnley putting up a gallant fight as Sunderland won 3-2 in a pulsating Stadium of Light fixture to take a giant stride towards promotion two years ago.

A point would suit both teams as they look to consolidate strong starts to the season, but Sunderland could have too much firepower for the Clarets, with Bent likely to continue his hot streak.

Prediction: Burnley 1-2 Sunderland

This article was written for FansOnline Burnley.

Liverpool v Burnley match preview

The Clarets travel to Anfield with no fresh injury concerns from the international break, with Michael Duff and Steven Caldwell both inching close to returns, and David Nugent added to the squad on loan from Portsmouth.

Liverpool-born Nugent will be hoping to be included in the eleven after a promising debut in Tuesday's 4-0 victory over Accrington Stanley, but Owen Coyle is likely to stick with the same team that struggled to cope with a wonderful Chelsea performance two weeks ago.

Martin Paterson has struggled this season, with no goals yet in the league and a string of chances missed in two appeances for Northern Ireland in the break, but Coyle will give him another chance to prove himself. Local lad Jay Rodriguez may have forced himself into the squad with two well-taken goals against Stanley, but the addition of Nugent to the squad means he will find his opportunities this season limited.

Chris Eagles will be hoping for a first league start of the season after playing well in the Stanley win, but he will again have to settle for an appearance from the substitutes' bench.

Liverpool have problems in midfield after the international matches, with Javier Mascherano and Alberto Aquilani likely to miss out. That means Lucas Leiva will start in midfield, with Steven Gerrard asked to play a more withdrawn role than of late, dropping into the midfield instead of playing off Fernando Torres. Torres has had a difficult start to the campaign but he will look at the match as a chance to get some goals on the board. Dirk Kuyt may partner him with Yossi Benayoun or Albert Riera supporting from the flank.

In defence, Daniel Agger is still out with a back injury, and Fabio Aurelio may also miss out, with Emiliano Insua to come in to deputise. Benitez will have to choose between Kyrgiakos and Skrtel to partner Carragher at centre-back.

One of the hosts' biggest attacking threats will be the rampaging runs of England international Glen Johnson from full-back. The former Chelsea player already has two goals this season.

Rafa Benitez has bad memories of facing Burnley after the Clarets knocked his Liverpool team out of the FA Cup in his first season at the club in 2005, after Djimi Traore's comical own goal handed Steve Cotterill's side a 1-0 win at Turf Moor.

But Burnley are without a goal or a point in two Premier League games this season, and another defeat is expected, although Liverpool have conceded first in three of their four league games so far, and Burnley have won both games in which they have netted.

Liverpool are likely to have too much for the still-learning Burnley, with a similar result to the Stamford Bridge scoreline the likeliest result.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Burnley.

This article was written for Fansonline Burnley.

Chelsea v Burnley match preview

Burnley go into their testing double header of away days on the back of a wholly unexpected trio of wins.

Victory at Hartlepool in the Carling Cup was to be expected, but the preceding home league wins over Manchester United and Everton came as a very pleasant surprise to the Claret faithful.

Stamford Bridge will be a different proposition of course. But Burnley have good memories of the ground having triumphed over the Blues on penalties in a cup tie there last season.

The Clarets are still without Michael Duff and skipper Steven Caldwell at the back, but Andre Bikey and Clarke Carlisle have looked to be putting together a solid partnership in their place at the heart of the Burnley defence. Richard Eckersley's sending off in midweek means he is unavailable but he was unlikely to be in Coyle's 18 anyway.

Coyle rested most of his first team at Victoria Park and none of his squad men played well enough to force their way into his reckoning, so it would be no surprise to see him select the same eleven that beat United and Everton last week.

Steven Fletcher's two goals at Hartlepool could persuade Coyle to start him in a forward berth, moving Martin Paterson back to the wing.

Carlo Ancelotti has deployed his diamond 4-4-2 formation to great effect this season and the wealth of talent he has at his disposal is frightening. Drogba, who was reprimanded by the FA for throwing a coin back into the Burnley crowd last time the two teams met, will probably partner Nicolas Anelka in attack, although if Ancelotti is confident of a comfortable win, he may give Salomon Kalou a run out. Drogba and Anelka were both on target in the Blues' impressive 2-0 win at Fulham last time out.

He will also have to choose bwteen Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack for the role at the peak of the midfield, with Jon Obi Mikel and Michael Essien near-certainties to be selected.

Chelsea are without the injured trio of Joe Cole, Yuri Zhirkov and Paulo Ferreira, although it is thought Cole is close to making a comeback. Alex and Juliano Belletti could also both miss out. If Ancelotti chooses to blood youngsters the likeliest to come in are Sam Hutchinson and the highly-rated former Manchester City striker Daniel Sturridge.

The Blues' have a 100% record so far this season and have been installed as title favourites following Burnley's defeat of Manchester United. The sensible money is on the hosts to continue their irresistible form, but the Clarets will be hopeful of picking up their first away points of the season.

Prediction: 3-1.

This match preview was written for FansOnline.

Hartlepool V Burnley match preview

Burnley travel to the North East buoyed by successive home victories over Manchester United and Everton, which leaves them in the lofty position of 7th in the Premier League table.

The Clarets were moments away from reaching the Carling Cup final last year before Roman Pavyluchenko and then Jermain Defoe broke thousands of Lancastrians’ hearts by saving Spurs’ blushes at the end of extra time in the second leg of the semi-final at Turf Moor.

Wins against Chelsea, Arsenal and Fulham earlier in the competition had boosted confidence, and the effect of cup run was a major factor in Burnley’s promotion.

How Owen Coyle treats the competition this season, however, is anyone’s guess. The Carling Cup is after all a route into Europe, and Burnley could conceivably go one step further than last year.

However, with a big game at Chelsea coming up on Saturday, Coyle may want to blood some youngsters, such as Jay Rodriguez and Ecuadorian winger Fernando Guerrero, as well as giving some game time to men who have missed out so far, such as David Edgar, Kevin McDonald, Richard Eckersley, Diego Penny, Steven Thompson and Brian Easton. Chris Eagles is almost certain to be given the chance to stake his claim for a place in the team.

Steven Caldwell is nearing a return but won’t be ready for a recall, and neither will Michael Duff. Burnley have no other injury concerns.

Hartlepool are without former Manchester United midfielder Ritchie Jones, who was linked with the Clarets last summer. They are also likely to be without Colin Larkin and Ben Clark, who are recovering from injuries.

Victoria Park has not been a happy hunting ground for Hartlepool of late, with four defeats on the bounce, but they did pick up their first win of the season at the weekend when Jeff Stelling’s hero James Brown notched the winner at Gillingham. Burnley haven’t won in five on the road – if you don’t count Wembley – and have never actually beaten Hartlepool away from home.

Like the Clarets Hartlepool have found goals tough to come by this season, only bagging three times in their five games to date. But Burnley’s attack should be far too superior, and the Clarets will look to put an impressive scoreline on the board to boost confidence further ahead of a difficult pair of away games at Stamford Bridge and Anfield.

Prediction: 1-4.

This article was written for FansOnline.

Burnley v Everton match preview

The Clarets have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the visit of Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.

Owen Coyle, in his 80th match as Burnley boss, is likely to pick the same team that performed so manfully in Wednesday night’s incredible 1-0 win over Manchester United, with skipper Steven Caldwell still not ready for a recall and Michael Duff still also unavailable.

Everton are under pressure to get a result already after a 6-1 tonking at home to Arsenal on the opening day, although the Toffees did boost their confidence with a comfortable home win in the rebranded Europa League on Thursday night.

They have also secured a work permit for Argentinian midfielder Ever Banega, who looks set to sign on loan from Valencia, but it is unlikely the deal will be done for the player to go into the team for Sunday.

Joleon Lescott is still angling away for a move to Manchester City and with Phil Jagielka still recovering from the knee injury that meant he missed the FA Cup final Everton, as Manchester United did in midweek, have selection problems at the back. Joseph Yobo is certain to start with teenager Jack Rodwell – scorer of a brace on Thursday – a possibility to slot in alongside him, although manager David Moyes may go for the experience of club captain Phil Neville instead.

Everton are also without playmaker Mikel Arteta and they will miss his calming influence in midfield as well as his unerring accuracy from free kicks.

The visitors will line up in a 4-5-1 formation with either Jo or Louis Saha leading the line, relying on twin tower midfielders Marouane Fellaini and Tim Cahill to get forward in support, as well as Steven Pienaar from the flank. Rodwell and Pienaar will both face late fitness tests but with the Toffees’ squad already stretched due to long-term injuries for forwards Victor Anichebe and Yakubu, it is likely they will play through the pain if asked.

The Clarets are likely to play a similar shape, although they may rejig their forward line with Martin Paterson and Steven Fletcher able to swap positions.

Any positive result for Burnley would be a huge boost ahead of a testing double-header of away games to Chelsea and Liverpool, and four points from three games would be excellent progress. But Everton will be looking to get their first points in the bag and look at moving up the table.

The Clarets’ excellent home form – they have won their last seven at Turf Moor – gives them a record to defend as they look to make Turf Moor a ground to fear for travelling teams. Everton haven’t lost in their last four on the road.

If Burnley play half as well as they did against United, and Everton half as badly as they did against Arsenal, it should be another home win. But all the signs point towards a draw being a result that would suit both teams.

Prediction: 1-1

Burnley v Manchester United match preview

Burnley will welcome Andre Bikey straight into the side for his debut, and the club’s home Premier League debut, against league Champions, European Cup runners-up, and World Club Cup winners Manchester United.

Bikey hasn’t played competitively since he was sent off at Turf Moor in the first leg of the play-off semi-final for Reading, but he will be available after serving the last of a five-game ban tonight. But needs must for the Clarets at the back and with Steven Caldwell and Michael Duff still injured, Bikey is likely to be preferred to fellow new boy David Edgar at the heart of the Clarets defence alongside Clarke Carlisle.

Burnley have no fresh injury worries with Martin Paterson suffering no reaction after the defeat at Stoke to the hamstring problem he suffered in pre-season.

Clarets boss Owen Coyle must decide whether to play Christian Kalvenes or Stephen Jordan at left-back, and he may also choose to shuffle his attacking options with former Manchester United winger Chris Eagles the likeliest to come in, possibly at the expense of Paterson or Robbie Blake. Fellow former Red Devil Richard Eckerlsley is less likely to play after Tyrone Mears made a solid debut at the Britannia Stadium.

Manchester United have a defensive injury crisis with Edwin van der Sar, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Jonny Evans and Gary Neville all missing. That leaves Patrice Evra as the only regular member of the unit, and he will be joined by Wes Brown and John O’Shea with one of the da Silva twins at right-back.

Sir Alex Ferguson will also be without winger Nani, who suffered a reaction at the weekend to the shoulder injury he picked up in the Community Shield defeat to Chelsea. Ryan Giggs may come in to partner fellow veteran United stalwart Paul Scholes in the midfield, with Darren Fletcher and Ji Sung Park likely to be picked for their industry.

In attack, Wayne Rooney is the man Burnley must stop. The England striker has a huge season ahead of him with a World Cup at the end of it and started the campaign with the winner against Birmingham on Sunday. He’ll be partnered by Dimitar Berbatov, who must improve on last season’s disappointing effort, and surprise signing Michael Owen will be utilised from the bench.

On paper it looks a mammoth task for the Clarets with United’s strength in depth likely to still give them too much. But with 20,000 locals making it a night to remember, Burnley might just come up with a performance to match the occasion in the return to top flight football at Turf Moor.

Chris Eagles has lots to prove after United sold him when he was on the brink of breaking into the first team, and plenty of Burnley players are aware that increased squad numbers mean their place is under threat for the first time in their Clarets careers.

Prediction: 2-2

This article was written for FansOnline.

Stoke City V Burnley match preview

Burnley go into their first top flight match in 33 years with defensive problems, although Reading’s Andre Bikey looks set to sign for a near club record equalling fee in the next few days.

Burnley will definitely be without the suspended David Edgar and the injured Michael Duff, and Steven Caldwell tweaked his groin playing in Scotland’s 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Norway on Wednesday and may be unable to play.

That would leave Clarke Carlisle as the only recognised centre-back in the squad, giving manager Owen Coyle a choice of Chris McCann, Stephen Jordan or Richard Eckersley to accompany Carlisle. However, Caldwell is sure to want to lead the team out at the Britannia and it would be no surprise to see him play through the pain.

In the middle is where Burnley have their riches. Coyle has played 4-4-2 more often than not in pre-season and packing the midfield is a pointless tactic against the Potters’ long-ball game so it seems likely the Clarets will go into the game with four in midfield and two up front.

£3m man Steven Fletcher is a certainty to start as the only regular scorer in pre-season and Martin Paterson – who played for Stoke as a youngster - will partner him assuming he recovers from a hamstring problem in time. Steven Thompson and Jay Rodriguez are likely to be utilised from the bench.

On the flanks Coyle has four to choose from: Chris Eagles, Robbie Blake, Wade Elliott and loan signing Fernando Guerrero. However, Elliott may be deployed in the centre of the park, as he was for the latter stages of last season and indeed as he was at Wembley where he scored the wonder goal to seal promotion. Coyle will probably blood Guerrero in the reserves and from the subs bench before throwing him into the team.

Coyle also has the problem of what to do with Graham Alexander. The veteran had a poor game in Norway on Wednesday for Scotland and showed last season that he isn’t capable of playing in a central midfield two. But if Eckersley is deployed at centre-back in place of Caldwell, he could be asked to revert to his old position of right full-back.

Stoke’s baseball cap-wearing boss Tony Pulis has had a quiet transfer window, with Sunderland’s skipper Dean Whitehead his only signing of note. Whitehead will slot straight into City’s midfield alongside former Clarets target Glenn Whelan, with Liam Lawrence and Matthew Etherington likely to line up on the flanks. Former Liverpool man Salif Diao will be another midfield option, but he will start from the bench.

Pulis will have to work out where to put human catapult Rory Delap this season – as a player he isn’t good enough for the Premier League but his throw is a weapon that unsettled even the best last season.

In goal Thomas Sorensen has bags of experience but at the back Stoke have mainly young talent. Ryan Shawcross had a terrific debut top-flight season in the middle of the back four and City will look to him to keep improving and to build on his already solid partnership with Abdoulaye Faye. Unfussy and uncultured but strong lads Andy Wilkinson and Carl Dickinson are likely to be the full-backs, although journeyman Danny Higginbotham will rival Dickinson for the berth on the left.

Up front, January signing James Beattie was one of the main reasons Stoke finished in a lofty 12^th and he will again lead the line, with Burnley’s former nemesis Ricardo Fuller again pitting his wits against the Clarets. Dave Kitson has been in stunning form in pre-season, however, and he may have forced his way into Pulis’ plans despite an inauspicious start to his Potters career last term.

Stoke’s direct tactics have been well documented but if they are to match last season’s impressive 12^th place finish they will need to come up with a plan B. Burnley are well versed in dealing with hoof-merchants after a long season in the Championship and will fancy their chances of coping with Stoke’s attacks. But the likes of Lawrence, Fuller and Etherington have a bit of quality that makes them the likely match-winners for the hosts.

Burnley will look to Chris Eagles to show why the club forked out a record fee for him last summer as well as hoping Steven Fletcher and Martin Paterson will come up with the goals to keep the Clarets safe. All the games in the Premier League will be tough for Burnley but this is sure to be a tricky start with the Potters support always making it difficult for away teams.

But the Clarets know a result is vital with a horrible run of four virtually unwinnable games coming up after the Britannia trip, and will do enough to collect a first ever Premier League point, with Fletcher bagging a debut goal.

Prediction: 1-1

This article was written for FansOnline.