Players Put Down A Marker

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Players Put Down A Marker - Dyche

Cup conquerors add to mix as Clarets look to make squad strength count

2021-01-25T17:59:34.057Z

Players Put Down A Marker - Dyche

Cup conquerors add to mix as Clarets look to make squad strength count

2021-01-25T17:59:34.057Z

POPE COULD BE BACK FOR POINTS PUSH - Image 2

Boss Sean Dyche has welcomed the growing competition back in his squad as the Clarets prepare to return to Premier League duty.

Dyche’s men face Aston Villa at Turf Moor on Wednesday evening on the back of a league victory at Liverpool which ended the champions’ unbeaten 68-game home run.

Between the two dates a much-changed line-up advanced in the FA Cup with an impressive 3-0 win at top-flight rivals Fulham on Sunday.

And Dyche insisted the performance at Craven Cottage had kept those involved at the forefront of his mind.

Players Put Down A Marker - Dyche - Image 1

“The players who played yesterday certainly put down a marker,” said Dyche.

“I was super-pleased as I said after the game with the way the team went about it.

“I’m really encouraged by the group. They certainly put enough doubt in you to make sure you’re over-thinking the team, rather than just rolling it out there.”

Dyche made nine changes to his starting line-up at Craven Cottage as the Clarets booked their place in round five.

And to a man they showed they’re ready to step back into Premier League action when required as the Clarets look to build on a run which has seen them lose just four times since early November to climb to 15th place in the table.

Players Put Down A Marker - Dyche - Image 2

“When you get everyone fit you have an in-house competition. There are players who are really playing with that edge to make sure they keep the shirt,” added Dyche, who has a number of minor injury issues to check before the visit of Villa.

“I think that run of performances and some of the results has come from the fact that the group’s now fitter, getting stronger and that in-house competitive edge where no-one’s relying on a shirt and has to earn it, then I think that’s good for the team.

“We’ve got some very good players, I believe, and very hard-working players who want to play for that edge and they certainly want the starting shirt and I think that’s a good thing.”

Charlie Taylor is a doubt to face the Midlanders after picking up an injury on his return to action at Liverpool.

Robbie Brady, Josh Brownhill and Ashley Barnes will also be assessed but Dyche is hopeful the trio will be close to selection.