PREVIEW: WBA v Burnley

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Build-up as the Clarets resume Premier League campaign and look for opening win at the Hawthorns

2020-10-19T09:18:59.134Z

PREVIEW: WBA v Burnley

Build-up as the Clarets resume Premier League campaign and look for opening win at the Hawthorns

2020-10-19T09:18:59.134Z

Build-up as the Clarets resume Premier League campaign and look for opening win at the Hawthorns

The Clarets get back into action following the international break with a first trip to the Hawthorns in two-and-a-half years.

Burnley’s last visit and a 2-1 win in March, 2018 pushed West Bromwich Albion closer to relegation from the Premier League with an eighth successive defeat.

The Baggies were to spend two seasons in the Championship but bounced back with promotion last time around at the end of Slaven Bilic’s first year in charge.

They are now trying to gain a foothold back among the elite, while the Clarets are seeking to kick-start their slow start to the Premier League campaign.

The weekend’s results sent Sean Dyche’s men to the bottom of the table, with tonight’s opponents just two places above them.

But after playing just three league games, the Clarets know a first win will take them out of the bottom three.

And after a two-week break which has seemingly come at a good time to re-group, recent signing Dale Stephens is looking to hit the ground running.

“There is not a lot we can do about the first period of the Premier League season because it has gone,” said the Clarets’ midfielder, who has benefitted from some extended time on the training ground with his new team-mates.

“We can only focus on what we can affect really and that starts with a difficult game at West Brom.

“In terms of timing, it (the break) has probably helped, having more time on the training pitch with more numbers back.

“Going into West Brom we have more fitness and more numbers are back in the squad. There are no excuses anymore.”

Team news

The Clarets hope to have ex-Baggies striker Jay Rodriguez back after three games out with an ankle injury.

Winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson may also be available after returning early from international duty with a slight groin injury, while goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell will require a check on the hip problem he picked up away with Northern Ireland.

Jay Rodriguez and Matej Vydra sign up until June 2022

But skipper Ben Mee is not yet ready to return and stays on the sidelines with Jack Cork and Matt Lowton.

West Brom are set to have new signing Karlan Grant involved for the first time following the striker’s arrival from Huddersfield Town.

It’s thought former Preston forward Callum Robinson has been cleared to play following a period of self-isolation but Hal Robson-Kanu is out with a broken wrist.

Form guide

The Clarets are looking to put their first Premier League point on the board after three defeats to start the season.

West Bromwich Albion are also seeking a first win of the league campaign after taking one point from their first four game since returning to the top-flight following a two-year absence.

The Baggies earned that point in their last home game but let slip a 3-0 half-time lead at Chelsea to miss out on a full return. West Brom were beaten 2-0 at Southampton ahead of the international break, while the Clarets lost 3-1 at Newcastle United in their last outing.

Opposition camp

West Bromwich Albion manager Slaven Bilic: “It’s a big game for us. It’s a chance to get that first win and every game is a big challenge for us.

“We have gone up a level and we want to stay at that level for as long as possible.

“Every game we have to be more determined and more motivated than our opponent.

“That should be our advantage and the game against Burnley is a good opportunity for us knowing that we will have to match them in the things they are really good at. Directness, second balls and competitiveness.

“We have been working on that during the break.”

Match stats

Jay Rodriguez scored 33 goals in two seasons with West Bromwich Albion. He needs two more to reach a century of career League goals.

Fellow Clarets striker Chris Wood also played for the Baggies, starting his career in England at the Hawthorns and making his Premier League debut with West Brom as a substitute in April, 2009.

Wood scored on his last trip to the Hawthorns in March, 2018 when a 2-1 win for the Clarets ended their 10-match winless league run against the Baggies.

If Johann Berg Gudmundsson features, it will be his 200th appearance in English football. The Icelander has played 86 times for Charlton and is on 113 games for the Clarets.

Along with champions Liverpool, West Brom have conceded the most goals so far in the Premier League this season with 13.

Referee

Anthony Taylor

VAR

Darren England

Kick-off

Monday, 5.30pm

Broadcast

Sky Sports Box Office, £14.95

Or full live commentary on Clarets+. New subscribers with a month FREE trial!