Burnley predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace - Premier League
By Max Parsons
Burnley host Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon as attention turns back to the Premier League.
Sean Dyche's men have endured a very tough start to the campaign, currently occupying 18th spot in the table. Their form, however, has taken a turn for the better in recent weeks, having lost just once in their previous four fixtures. Prior to the international break, the Clarets picked up their first victory of the campaign, beating Brentford 3-1, before holding Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
In order the build on that stunning result, they'll have to overcome an in-form Crystal Palace side who sit 10th and are really starting to take shape under the impressive Patrick Vieira. Here's who Dyche could line up with to do just that.
Burnley predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace - Premier League
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Nick Pope (GK) - A home draw with Norwich was his only clean sheet of the season so far, but he'll certainly continue between the sticks for Dyche's side.
Matt Lowton (RB) - Hasn't missed a Premier League match this season and actually represents one of the side's most potent attacking avenues, quietly sitting on a goal and two assists so far this campaign.
James Tarkowski (CB) - Usually such a reliable performer, the centre-back has been guilty of napping on several occasions this term. Needs to improve.
Ben Mee (CB) - Also liable to the odd mistake of late, but Mee will surely skipper the side once more as Crystal Palace visit.
Charlie Taylor (LB) - A model of consistency, Taylor has been a regular for Dyche over the past few years, registering one assist in each of the last three Premier League campaigns. How's that for consistency?
2. Midfielders
Johann Berg Gudmundsson (RM) - Will always give 100% for the team but needs to start finding some form in the final third, having only registered an assist so far this campaign.
Ashley Westwood (CM) - A hallmark of Burnley's impressive stability in recent years, Westwood seems built into the side's central midfield now.
Josh Brownhill (CM) - Has featured in every one of Burnley's Premier League outings this season, consistently putting in a shift - he's still waiting on his first goal involvement, however.
Dwight McNeil (LM) - An admirable all-round performer for the Clarets, but really needs to develop the ability to find that game-changing pass or shot that would take him to the next level.
3. Forwards
Chris Wood (ST) - It was Matej Vydra who got the all-important equaliser against Chelsea but the imposing Wood should start this one, aiming to build on his two league strikes this season.
Maxwel Cornet (ST) - Has been nothing short of a revelation since his arrival. Already on four strikes this term, he's fast becoming a fan favourite.