U23 PREVIEW: Sunderland U23s v Burnley U23s

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In-form Clarets aim to stay in the groove to enhance play-off prospects

2021-03-28T16:53:50.264Z

U23 PREVIEW: Sunderland U23s v Burnley U23s

In-form Clarets aim to stay in the groove to enhance play-off prospects

2021-03-28T16:53:50.264Z

In-form Clarets aim to stay in the groove to enhance play-off prospects

Steve Stone wants more of the same as the Under-23s bid to tighten their grip on a play-off place.

The Clarets go to Sunderland on Monday afternoon (KO 1pm) seeking a fifth win in six games – a run that has propelled them firmly into the promotion picture.

Stone’s side sits third in the Premier League 2 Second Division table and after a 4-1 win at Fulham last time out, the U23s’ boss says consistency is key in the bid to secure a top-five finish and a shot at the play-offs.

“I’ve said to the lads that every game we want them at the same level,” said Stone.

“We are looking for that consistency and knowing that every week when they go out on the pitch, they’re delivering the same type of performance.

“If they do that, they’ll keep getting their rewards. I’ve said to them that their challenge is to get into the play-offs.

“It’s there in front of them with four games to go and I want them to do it for themselves.”

U23 PREVIEW: Sunderland U23s v Burnley U23s - Image 1

The Clarets are four points clear of Crystal Palace in sixth place in the table, having played just one game more and are close to having their destiny in their own hands.

A fifth away win of the season at Sunderland’s Academy of Light – where the 11th-placed Black Cats have won three times this season – would give the chasing pack even less margin for error.

And as the Clarets look to finish an excellent season on a high, a handful of the squad – which will be missing striker Arman Taranis with a shoulder injury – will travel north boosted by their involvement in last week’s training-ground friendly against Derby County.

The 2-1 win over the Rams featured mainly senior players, but Anthony Glennon and Ne-Jai Tucker started in the wide positions and Anthony Gomez-Mancini, Max Thompson and Lewis Richardson all featured in the second half.

“With a few of the players away on international duty, it opened the way for a few of our lads to be involved,” added Stone.

“It was a good opportunity for them to get in front of the manager and the first-team staff and show how they have progressed this season.”

The Clarets secured their first win at this level by beating Sunderland 3-2 last September – helped by two goals from Ashley Barnes on his return from injury.

And up-dates of Monday’s return game on Wearside will be available on Twitter via @ClaretsAcademy with a report and reaction to follow.