PREVIEW: BURNLEY V ROCHDALE

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All the news you need for tonight's Carabao Cup clash against Rochdale

2021-09-21T10:21:47.611Z

PREVIEW: BURNLEY V ROCHDALE

All the news you need for tonight's Carabao Cup clash against Rochdale

2021-09-21T10:21:47.611Z

All the news you need for tonight's Carabao Cup clash against Rochdale

Burnley face Rochdale at Turf Moor tonight in an all-Lancashire Carabao Cup tie. It’s the first time these two sides have met in 28 years.

The Clarets beat Newcastle United 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw at St James’ Park in the last round. Welsh international goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was the hero with shootout saves from Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron. Defender Charlie Taylor converted the winning penalty.

Sean Dyche indicated he might utilise his squad and make changes.

“I think we have a better fitness level than last season to make changes. We do have players who need games for the right reason and they will figure. We want to put out a team that wins the game.”

Tonight’s tie is a potential David and Goliath clash but Dyche will not take anything for granted.

‘There is no easy gig in football. We don’t take them lightly. We will do some team planning in the morning and we will be thoroughly prepared and ready.”

TEAM NEWS

Long-term absentee Dale Stephens remains unavailable through injury.

New signing Connor Roberts is still recovering from summer surgery on his groin. He played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors game against Port Vale last Tuesday.

Kevin Long played 90 minutes in that training ground game and is getting closer to a return.

Ivory Coast international Maxwel Cornet made his Burnley debut in the game against Arsenal. He might start against Rochdale.

For Rochdale, wing-back Corey O’Keeffe missed the draw against Mansfield Town. He is on loan from the Stags and couldn’t play against his parent club.

FORM GUIDE

Despite a spirited display, the Clarets lost 1-0 to Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Clarets are looking for their first Turf Moor win since their comeback success against Aston Villa in January.

Robbie Stockdale’s side drew 1-1 at Mansfield Town on Saturday. Danny Cashman scored for Dale. They are eighth in League Two sitting just outside the play-off positions on goal difference. Their only away defeat this season came on the opening day at Harrogate Town.

OPPOSITION CAMP

Rochdale won 2-0 at Steve Cotterill’s Shrewsbury Town in the last round with goals from Jake Beesley (pen) and Danny Cashman. They had a walkover in the first round after a Covid_19 outbreak in the Harrogate Town camp.

Manager Robbie Stockdale is looking forward to the tie against Premier League opposition.

“You can tell we’ve got a big game coming up. Everybody is fit and available and on the training pitch. Which is great for me. Everybody is looking forward to it.”

Rochdale have started the season well with only two defeats in their eight league games. Stockdale is in no hurry to change things and won’t make any changes to their preparations.

“We approach it in the same way. We are consistent, it’s the best way to prepare for any game.

“You know what you are up against a little bit more because of the exposure the Premier League teams get on TV.”

Just 14 miles separate the two sides in a traditional Lancashire derby. The former Middlesbrough defender remains confident.

“We go with a really positive mindset. Win, lose or draw, if we perform at our best there will be no complaints.”

MATCH STATS

Burnley are four-time semi-finalists in this competition the last of which was an agonising extra-time defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in 2009.

Experienced defender Phil Bardsley was a finalist in the EFL Cup with Sunderland in 2014. Manchester City won the final 3-1.

Skipper Ben Mee celebrates his 32nd birthday on Tuesday.

Burnley have won their last three penalty shootouts with three different goalkeepers - Nick Pope (Sheffield United), Will Norris (MK Dons) and Wayne Hennessey (Newcastle United).

Rochdale were finalists in the second League Cup final in 1962. They lost to Norwich City 4-0 in a two-legged final. They haven’t gone past the third-round stage since.

REFEREE

Geoff Eltringham

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Tuesday 21st September 2021 7.45pm

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