Burnley

Before Derby, the last time we beat a top 6 club was that thumping 4-1 win over Brighton a few weeks back. On a high the next game was at Middlesbrough and we were brought back down to Earth with a massive bump. In all honesty, not only were we beaten, we were well beaten by a better side.

Forward six weeks and we're off to top of the table Burnley straight after another high. Will history repeat itself or can we put up a better show away from home against a top club this time?

Burnley are solid throughout with that bit extra that makes all the difference that we seem unable to find - a goal scoring match winner - two in fact in Gray and Vokes. You could argue that keeping those two quiet would give us a serious chance at a point at least, but have we the defensive ability to shackle them for the full 90 minutes? Going on from there, have we the abilty to pinch a goal ourselves even from a set piece if not open play?

I still say we should have beaten them at home though. We easily matched them and only threw away two points at the death with Connolly's injury time own goal. I suppose if we expect nothing from the game tomorrow then we won't be disappointed, but what if.............................

 

I think the you have to be realistic and say we'll probably lose this. They're flying at the top of the table and are coming off the back of draw so need the win to get their momentum back. They wont underestimate us and will be right up for keeping their promotion charge on track.

This however is a division where nothing can be taken for granted. Our form is decent and we have the tools at both ends of the pitch to undo anyone in this league. If we win I'm almost certain we'll make the playoffs. The momentum and 'bonus' 3 points away at the league leaders would be huge. I do not think it's a make or break game though

 

Just had a quick look at their results and they haven't lost since 5/12/15. You know what that means..... They're due a loss

 

I've been concentrating on our game and hadn't looked at the others tonight. Just noticed Derby are playing Hull and Brighton take on Brum.

Sheff Wed and Ipswich seem to have easier tasks both at home to lower table opposition but there could be some big favours handed out if the results drop right (for us that is! )

 

I'd take 3 points out of these 2 away games if offered now; Fulham are so hit and miss that it is difficult to predict that one. So a point tonight would be an excellent outcome.

If we score it'll probably be from a set piece; hope we can keep a clean sheet.

City don't do well on Tuesday nights!

As OS says, other games tonight will have a bearing on the table.

 

Tough call for Slade on this one. Going there to keep the point you start with seems the obvious tactic but we could come seriously unstuck with their ability to score at any time - particularly at the end of games.

Going Gung Ho for the win and then getting beat as a result would attract some criticism but it could offer the best way to get something out of the game - maybe even an unexpected win rather than fighting a rearguard action from the kick off.

To that end I'd throw Zohore in there up front. Burnley wouldn't know him from Adam and he could take them out of their comfort zone as an unknown quantity. They'll know all about Pilks and could mark him out of the game as an attacking force.

Time to be bold or foolish? Going for the point would seem Slade's style from the past but I'd say we've got very little to lose on this one with most expecting a home win is on the cards.

Go for it and if we come back with nothing (as expected), so be it. You never know, we may surprise ourselves and others.

 

I understand where you're coming from but the percentage call is strongest 11, playing our established system. We can keep it tight as we have at other away grounds and hope we take our chance(s) and they miss their couple. Having a look at Burnley's form they rarely win by more than a single goal, with their recent form showing plenty of score draws and odd goal wins. Keep it tight, let Marshie tip one or two out of the top corner then bobble in a set piece or break away goal. That has to be our best chance of getting 1 or even 3 points.

I'm sure a confident Burnley with Gray upfront would absolutely love us to over commit and give them the space to attack early. Nice boring game settled by a set piece in our favour will do me

 

And hope Heaton isn't on the same form he was at our place. Can't he do us a favour like agent Swan Dimi Dropalotopus always does against us?