FA CUP PREVIEW: Burnley v MK Dons

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Build-up as the Clarets launch FA challenge against League One Dons

2021-01-08T14:36:42.818Z

FA CUP PREVIEW: Burnley v MK Dons

Build-up as the Clarets launch FA challenge against League One Dons

2021-01-08T14:36:42.818Z

Build-up as the Clarets launch FA challenge against League One Dons

The Clarets launch their FA Cup campaign against League One opposition for the third year in a row.

After getting past Barnsley and Peterborough at the third-round stage in the past two seasons, Sean Dyche’s men will be looking to make it a hat-trick of successes against MK Dons.

The two clubs last met five years ago this month with a 5-0 away win completing a Championship double for the Clarets in the only season the sides have met at league level.

The two went their separate ways at the end of that season, with Burnley heading back to the Premier League at the first time of asking and the Dons making an instant return to League One.

Our next FA Cup game set to be broadcast on FA Player

Since then, the club – controversially formed in 2004 after re-locating as Wimbledon FC – has had one season in the bottom division.

But they bounced back in 2019 and Russell Martin’s side, not short of experience through the likes of ex-Derby defender Richard Keogh and former Norwich and Cardiff striker Cameron Jerome, will be hoping to pull off an upset at Turf Moor to go into Monday’s draws for the fourth and fifth rounds.

The Clarets were last in the fifth-round draw in 2017 and while maintaining the revenues of continuing in the Premier League remains the over-riding priority, Dyche is not taking the opportunity to progress lightly as his team looks to stay in the groove ahead of a visit from Manchester United next Tuesday night.

FA CUP PREVIEW: Burnley v MK Dons - Image 2

“It still counts emotionally, with what the FA Cup is and what it stands for. It’s still another game we want to win,” said the Burnley boss.

“We’ve had them watched, physically, twice and done the analysis – all the things we think are right and proper to play anyone.

“We’ll be running through the format we have come to believe in and which has served us well and making sure the players are aware of the opposition, while equally making them aware of the things we think we can do to take on the game and win it.

“We’ll be treating this game just as importantly as the next one in the Premier League.”

Team news

The Clarets are expected to have midfielder Jack Cork back for the first time this season following his recovery from the ankle injury he

FA CUP PREVIEW: Burnley v MK Dons - Image 3

sustained in June.

Winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Matej Vydra are also in contention for a return.

But Jay Rodriguez, Charlie Taylor and Dwight McNeil are likely to miss out and with a couple of Covid-related issues in the squad there could be further absentees as manager Sean Dyche balances his resources.

MK Dons were missing three players due to Covid regulations for their last game at the end of December but all are back on duty.

However, the League One side has a number of injury absentees, including striker Kieran Agard, midfielders David Kasumu, Jordan Houghton and Louis Thompson and defender Warren O’Hora.

Form guide

Both teams were forced to sit out their scheduled New Year games due to Covid in the opposition camp, with the Clarets’ home game against Fulham postponed and MK Dons’ scheduled trip to Rochdale called off.

The Clarets have been in flying form in the Premier League, with their only defeat in six games their controversial 1-0 loss at Leeds.

FA CUP PREVIEW: Burnley v MK Dons - Image 4

Burnley’s 1-0 win over Sheffield United in their last game extended their unbeaten run at Turf Moor to four matches with a return of 10 points from a possible 12 lifting them to 16th place in the top flight.

The Clarets are looking to reach round four of the FA Cup for the fifth time in six seasons.

MK Dons, 16th in League One, are looking to reach the fourth round for the first time in three years and just the fourth time in their short history.

Russell Martin’s side has won at National League sides Eastleigh (on penalties) and Barnet to reach this stage and set up a second FA Cup tie with the Clarets, having lost 2-1 at home 11 years ago this week in Owen Coyle’s last game as Burnley manager.

Their recent league form has also been impressive, with just two defeats in their last eight games and back-to-back wins after Christmas in their last games.

Opposition camp

MK Dons manager Russell Martin: “There is no expectation outside of this building, but let's embrace the challenge and the opportunity and see where it takes us.

FA CUP PREVIEW: Burnley v MK Dons - Image 5

“I'm really excited about it, and the players should be too. We should have no fear. It's a big challenge going to a Premier League side away from home, no matter where you are in the league, but it's a one-off.

“It's a chance to show what we're about, and to show what good players we can be.

“It will be really difficult. I speak about the culture here, but you look at Sean Dyche and his staff – they have built a seriously strong culture.

“Everyone knows what they are about. The playing styles are a bit different, but culturally, you won't find many stronger than Burnley."

Match stats

The Clarets have won all four previous meetings between the clubs across three different competitions.

Burnley have won nine of their last 11 FA Cup ties against lower-ranked opposition.

Matt Lowton's only goal for Burnley came against MK Dons in the Championship five years ago.

Burnley teammate Kevin Long made two appearances on loan at MK Dons in the 2015/16 season.

Referee

Jonathan Moss

VAR

Anthony Taylor