Premier League strugglers Burnley welcome a progressive Crystal Palace side who are looking for a third successive victory.
Burnley have struggled for most parts this season, although they will have been surprised after getting an unlikely point away from Stamford Bridge in the last matchday. Chelsea thoroughly dominated proceedings and look likely to finish the game with more than one goal, only for Matej Vydra to snatch a late equaliser to level the result.
Sean Dyche will take confidence from that result and build towards their upcoming meeting with Crystal Palace at Turf Moor. The Clarets are not in a healthy league position, sitting uncomfortably in 18th spot, two points below Watford in 17th.
Their last three games since the defeat to Manchester City offer some level of encouragement to fans. Burnley have not lost any of those three games, earning five points out of a possible nine. Their win over Brentford could also become a blueprint for Dyche to get a result at home against Palace.
Patrick Vieira’s arrival has certainly revitalised this Crystal Palace side, with the team showing a progressive development this season. While the Eagles may not have too many wins chalked up as of yet, their recent performances certainly warrant credit for how far they have come in the campaign.
Since losing to Liverpool at Anfield, Palace have stitched together an impressive unbeaten run of six matches, and Vieira will be aiming to continue this trend. Among those, they only have two victories to show – a sensational 0-2 win over champions Manchester City at the Etihad and then a convincing 2-0 result against Wolves at home in their last game.
Vieira’s eyes will firmly be settled on the two points gap between them and sixth-placed Manchester United, as Palace have a good chance to overtake them or at least stay in touch with the position by winning.
Team News & Tactics
Burnley
There’s not much to report on the injury front for Burnley, and it won’t be a surprise if Dyche names the same team that drew at Chelsea. The manager has always relied upon stability, and given their recent positive result, there are not many changes expected, personnel-wise or tactically.
There has been some positive news surrounding the squad, with Dale Stephens returning to training after spending plenty of time on the sidelines. He may not be considered just yet to play, especially not against Palace.
Aaron Lennon has also made himself available after recovering from an illness, although Ashley Barnes is reportedly out with a knock. His absence could allow Dyche to play summer signing Maxwell Cornet in a front two alongside Chris Wood.
Cornet is expected to take his place in the front two despite arriving late from his international commitments. Meanwhile, Dyche could ponder bringing Jack Cork back into the fold to replace Ashley Westwood in central midfield, although the latter’s performance against Chelsea might keep him in the team.
Otherwise, the team might look similar to the last matchday. Summer signing Connor Roberts gave Dyche some thinking after scoring for Wales during the break, although the manager might retain Matthew Lowton at right-back.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Gudmundsson, Westwood, Brownhill, McNeil; Cornet, Wood
Crystal Palace
The big news for Palace fans is the fitness boost provided by Eberechi Eze, who has been doing well for the Under-23s. The youngster, who has been out with a long-term injury, could make the matchday squad against Burnley. It will still take some time for Vieira to be starting him, although he could be on the pitch sooner rather than later.
James McArthur, who has become an important part of Vieira’s midfield, has suffered a hamstring injury which will keep him out for a few weeks. In his place, Luka Milivojevic could slot in the middle of the park alongside Cheikhou Kouyate and Conor Gallagher.
Meanwhile, Joachin Andersen, who was a doubt for the weekend, could be fit following his partake in full training this week. He will line up alongside summer signing Marc Guehi in the heart of the Palace defence, with Joel Ward and Tyrick Mitchell assuming the full-back roles on either flank.
Vieira will continue with a front three of Wilfried Zaha on the right, Odsonne Edouard on the left and Christian Benteke leading the line against Burnley. There are other options to shuffle around, including Jordan Ayew and Michael Olise, who are expected to make an impact off the bench at some stage of the game.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Guaita; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Gallagher, Kouyate, Milivojevic; Zaha, Benteke, Edouard
Key Stats
- Burnley have won their previous three encounters with Crystal Palace in all competitions, keeping a clean sheet in all those games.
- Burnley have failed to win 13 of their last 14 games in the Premier League.
- Burnley have lost just once in their previous six Premier League games.
- Crystal Palace have won twice in the previous three games played at Turf Moor.
- Crystal Palace are unbeaten in six Premier League games, winning the previous two in a row.
Player To Watch
Conor Gallagher
After a modest spell at West Brom last season, where the team was set up with a defensive setup, Gallagher has shown his true colours in an attacking setup at Palace, enjoying a swift rise to the top in the Premier League.
His call-up and subsequent debut for the England senior squad during the international break is a testament to his brilliant performances in games against Manchester City and Wolves while illustrating his growing stature. A good display against Burnley could be on the cards, as the young midfielder is in the form of his life.
Prediction
Burnley 0-2 Crystal Palace
Palace are growing in stature after recent performances, visibly creating more chances with each passing game. The Eagles are expected to play on the front foot against Burnley and try to attack their goal early on. Palace have the firepower up front and the threat of the in-form Gallagher from midfield, which could prove a difficult task for Burnley defenders.
Their backline also has shown enough resilience to warrant another clean sheet, and they might just do that, although the Clarets are a great threat in the air. Vieira’s side are expected to take all three points and continue their unbeaten run.
