No Free Hits - Tarkowski

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Defender wants to test league leaders as Clarets aim to end City's winning run

2021-02-03T09:57:26.797Z

No Free Hits - Tarkowski

Defender wants to test league leaders as Clarets aim to end City's winning run

2021-02-03T09:57:26.797Z

Tarkowski: There's Still Work To Be Done - Image 2

James Tarkowski insists no fixture is regarded as a ‘free hit’ for the Clarets anymore as they prepare to take on Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Despite taking points from them in the past and beating the defending champions at Turf Moor six years ago, City have historically proved among the Clarets’ most testing opponents.

A 5-0 loss at the Etihad Stadium at the end of November made it seven successive defeats in league and cup to Pep Guardiola’s free-scoring side.

But despite that record, the Clarets believe they are capable of pulling off a result against any side in the division.

And having beaten reigning champions Liverpool just a fortnight ago, Tarkowski says the days of lowered expectations are a thing of the past.

“We used to say it was a bit like a free one playing against them, but we’ve sort of got rid of that,” said the Clarets’ defender.

“It felt like if we lost it didn’t matter.

“But we see going into these games now as fancying ourselves to get something out of the game and not just saying it’s a free chance.

“We know it’s going to be tough. They’re top of the league, unbeaten in quite a few games, but we’ll look forward to the prospect of taking them on.”

City come to Turf Moor on the back of 12 successive wins across three competitions which have taken them into the fifth round of the FA Cup, the final of the Carabao Cup and to the top of the Premier League as they look to wrest the title back from Liverpool.

Their renewed title challenge has come as no surprise to Tarkowski.

But the England international – whose own form has been a match for anyone in the division – won’t be laying out the welcome mat as the Clarets seek a fifth win in seven home games to remain clear in 15th in the table.

“I always expected it. They’ve got a terrific squad and for us they’re the most difficult team we play against,” added Tarkowski.

“We’re in for a real test but hopefully we can turn up ourselves, put in a good performance and cause them a few problems of their own, and look to be positive against them, rather than just worry about what they’re going to do.

“We always fancy ourselves to turn up at home and put in a real performance, so we’re looking forward to it. It should be a tough test, but we’re excited.

“We were disappointed with the weekend (the performance in a 2-0 loss at Chelsea) but we’ve put some good points on the board recently.

“We’re in a healthy position and we’re really looking above us, rather than below.”