The Clarets head to the second City looking for a hat-rrick of victories, having defeated Barnsley in the league, followed up with a win in the Lancashire Youth Cup over Bolton Wanderers.

However, City are also in fine form, having won their last four league games.

And assistant Clarets coach John Townson admits his side are in for a tough test.

He said: “We have watched them, and they are a good side, however our recent performances and results have been good.

“So, it will be good to see how the lads get on, but we certainly won’t take them lightly."

When the two sides met last season, Burnley ran out 4-3 winners in a seven-goal thriller at the Barnfield Training Centre.

And in the reverse fixture, the Blues edged out the Clarets 3-2 in Birmingham.

Burnley will be without Michael Fowler, Ethan Kershaw, Will Harris, who have extended their loan spells at Padiham, Barnoldswick Town and Nelson, respectively.

Second year scholar Richard Taylor will also miss the game afgter starting a loan with Colne.

However, Townson is looking forward to others seizing the opportunities vacated by loanees.

“It will be another mixed team, and as we have said in the past few weeks it brings opportunities for other players," added Townson.

Despite City only picking up a point in their first two games, the Midlands club have won their last four games, scoring 12 goals along the way.

However, Townson praises his side for their recent performances and hopes they can take it into the weekend.

"I've said previously that the lads deserve a lot of credit," he added. "There has been a lot going on with the lads out on loan and injuries, but we will have to do it again.

"There is no hiding place in football, so we will have to rise to it again this weekend."

The game, at Birmingham City's training ground, kicks off at midday on Saturday.

A report will be on the official website followiong the game.

POS	Team	PL	PTS
10	MC	2	3
11	BUR	3	3
12	BRE	3	3

POS	Team	PL	PTS
10	MC	2	3
11	BUR	3	3
12	BRE	3	3

Birmingham City U18s 1 Burnley U18s 3

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