U18s PREVIEW: BURNLEY V BIRMINGHAM CITY

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Young Clarets host Blues in league action

2024-01-13T10:00:00.000Z

U18s PREVIEW: BURNLEY V BIRMINGHAM CITY

Young Clarets host Blues in league action

2024-01-13T10:00:00.000Z

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK: A GUIDE TO THE WEEK AHEAD - Image 3

Burnley’s U18s host Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon (KO 1pm) in the Professional Development League at the Burnley Training Centre.

It will be the fourth meeting this season between the two sides after Birmingham ran out victorious in league action before the Clarets struck back in the PDL Cup, as well as winning an FA Youth Cup third-round tie via a penalty shootout back in December.

Despite both sides enjoying strong starts to their campaigns, both lost their midweek cup fixtures. The Blues fell to a 2-0 against Bradford City in the PDL Cup, whilst Tony Philliskirk's side were knocked out of the Lancashire Cup by Blackburn Rovers in a 3-2 defeat.

U18s PREVIEW: BURNLEY V BIRMINGHAM CITY - Image 1

Birmingham U18s have enjoyed a fine start to the season and currently sit top of the league by two points after winning eight of their first 12 fixtures.

However, the Clarets will be looking to close the gap on Saturday afternoon, especially after winning their last league clash in an away trip to Wigan Athletic.

Two goals in one minute from Vernon Masara, then a third from Benji Wetshi proved to be the difference at Christopher Park in what was a crucial win and the first of 2024.

JOHNSON PLEASED WITH HIS ATTACKING OUTPUT IN 2023/24 - Image 1

When the two sides last met, it was a night to remember for the Young Clarets who progressed to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup, setting up an away tie against Queens Park Rangers.

After taking the lead through Zach Johnson, the Clarets then found themselves 2-1 down heading into the final minutes of extra time in what was a tense affair at Leyland’s County Ground.

But with seconds remaining, Jack Rodgers nudged the ball home earning the Clarets a lifeline. In the resulting penalty shootout, Clarets' keeper Lewis Forshaw saved twice, before Olly Pimlott slotted home to win the tie.