PL PREVIEW: Burnley v Sheffield Utd

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Clarets aim to end the year on a high

2020-12-29T12:34:04.912Z

PL PREVIEW: Burnley v Sheffield Utd

Clarets aim to end the year on a high

2020-12-29T12:34:04.912Z

Clarets aim to end the year on a high

PL PREVIEW: Burnley v Sheffield Utd - Image 1

Burnley enter a crucial couple of games wrapped around the new year, starting with Tuesday’s visit of Sheffield United.

The Blades currently occupy 20th place in the Premier League, with just two poins from their 15 games played.

And should they fail to win at Turf Moor, they would equal QPR’s Premier League record of the longest winless run from the start of a campaign (16 in 2012-13).

However, Burnley boss Sean Dyche is taking nothing for granted against Chris Wilder’s side, who are also winless in their last 13 away games in the Premier League.

PL PREVIEW: Burnley v Sheffield Utd - Image 2

Dyche said: “I think their points (total) has to be a false representation, based on last season.

“They were deservedly given so many plaudits last season because ninth place in the Premier League is some finish.

“You are never quite sure what the next season will bring until it happens and trying to find a way to make it work at both ends of the pitch is every manager’s challenge.

“They haven’t quite got on the right side of those margins this season, but they are still working and fighting and we’ll certainly respect Sheffield United.”

Team news

The Clarets hope to welcome back wide men Robbie Brady and Dwight McNeil after both picked up knocks in the recent Turf Moor win over Wolves.

PL PREVIEW: Burnley v Sheffield Utd - Image 3

Jack Cork (ankle), Matej Vydra (back) and Johann Berg Gudmundsson (groin) will, however, not feature.

United are waiting on the fitness of forwards Oliver Burke (back) and Oli McBurnie (shoulder), while Lys Mousset remains a doubt and John Lundstram is suspended.

Form guide

The Clarets saw their four game unbeaten run ended at Leeds last weekend, and will look to bounce back to winning ways at Turf Moor, where they are unbeaten in three games.

United are the only side in the Premier League without a clean sheet so far this season, and have conceded in each of their last 18 games. They are also winless in their last four away games against Burnley since wining in the Championship back in

Opposition camp

Blades boss, Chris Wilder: “I still expect more quality from the players I've got, they know and understand that.

PL PREVIEW: Burnley v Sheffield Utd - Image 5

"They have the quality and it's about sticking their chests out and showing it. We have nothing to lose; everyone will look at the position and say we're buried, we're done for.

"There's nothing to lose, we might as well go for it and that's been my message to the players. There's loads more pressure on the teams above us and there'll be one or two who think they have enough at the minute, but might have that slide and get sucked in by the nature of the Premier League.

"There shouldn't be any pressure on us, there's people who over the last two or three years wouldn't expect us to be where we are.

"We should be in a better position with more points. We have to show strength of character and a freedom to express ourselves, to say what's the worst that can happen?

"That's my message to the players and they have to take that on board."

Match stats

This will just the third Premier League meeting between the clubs.

Burnley’s next goal will be their 200th Premier League goal under Sean Dyche’s management.

Josh Brownhill is in line for his 200th league start tonight.

When playing away in their final league game of a calendar year, United are winless since 1977, and have lost their last 11.

Referee

Chris Kavanagh

VAR

Peter Bankes

Kick-off

Tuesday, 6pm

How to watch

Watch the game live on Amazon Prime - watch the game for free with a free 30 day trial

A full commentary of the match, with Phil Bird, will be on Clarets+ - there is still time to claim your 30 day free pass, which includes live press conference access, your digital matchday programme and more.