PL2 PREVIEW | Burnley U23s v Crystal Palace U23s

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2020-10-18T17:41:16.770Z

PL2 PREVIEW | Burnley U23s v Crystal Palace U23s

2020-10-18T17:41:16.770Z

Clarets return to action with PL2 clash at home to Palace

After more than three weeks without a match, the U23s return to action this afternoon (Monday) for the first of two games in five days when Steve Stone's side hosts Crystal Palace at Leyland.

The Clarets will be looking to bounce back with a win against Palace after suffering defeat to Newcastle United in their last outing at their Lancashire FA base.

And young striker Max Thompson, who was on the scoresheet last time out against the Geordies, is eager to get the ball rolling again and admits the squad are 'buzzing' to get playing again with the visit of the Eagles followed by a trip to Middlesbrough on Friday afternoon.

Thompson, who made his first team debut in June against Manchester City, said: “I am really looking forward to getting back playing feels like forever since the Newcastle game, I think the whole squad is buzzing for the match against Palace.

PL2 PREVIEW | Burnley U23s v Crystal Palace U23s - Image 1

“I've really enjoyed it so far. I believe Cat 1 football is a good step up for us and I think the club deserve it. It’s good playing week-in, week-out against better opposition.

“As a player you learn more and I believe the more games we play the better we will adapt.

“Cat 1 oppositions can be better technically, and you have to make sure you are always focused and doing the right job for the team otherwise you will get punished.”

PL2 PREVIEW | Burnley U23s v Crystal Palace U23s - Image 2

With a handful of the older and experienced U23 players being in and around the first team recently, it has opened the door for a few U18s to make the step-up to Stone’s side, who have won one and lost two of their opening three games at their new level.

And Thompson believes having a mixed bag of scholars with a handful of experienced young pros in the side is a great recipe for success.

“I think that this year we have a good, young squad I think that this is key to success and as we are all improving as a team it can only get better," he added.

“A few players in the squad have been involved in first team training and some in the match day squads, which is very good to learn off of the first team players when you come back and play U23 football, as you feel you have more of an experienced team which I think is crucial”

Kick-off is at 2pm, with live updates avaliable on Twitter (@ClaretsAcademy), followed by report, reaction and goal highlights.