Following a week full of exciting international matches, the Premier League football is set to return this week, as Burnley travel The Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion this weekend.
Burnley will be looking for their third consecutive league win, following their respective victories over West Ham and Everton. In addition, the Clarets will also be looking to put an end to their dismal record against West Brom.
Currently seventh in the Premier League table, a win for Burnley could extend their gap over eighth-placed Leicester City, should the Foxes lose, this week.
West Brom, on the other hand, are destined to be relegated come the end of the season. The Baggies have secured only 20 points so far and trailing 19th placed Stoke City by a whopping seven points.
The West Midlands outfit have also lost their last seven games in the Premier League, which will make Burnley favourites to snatch all three points against Alan Pardew’s men this weekend.
Here’s the predicted Burnley lineup to feature against the Baggies.
Predicted Burnley lineup
Defence
Nick Pope will be the man between the sticks for Burnley this weekend. The 25-year-old has impressed in the absence of club captain Tom Heaton in goal this season and his presence will be key as the visitors look to keep a clean sheet against the bottom club, West Brom.
James Tarkowski and Ben Mee will retain their position at the centre of the defence. Both the defenders have performed well this season and will play a pivotal role as the Clarets look to keep West Brom at bay.
Matthew Lowton will start as right-back while Stephen Ward, who did start in the game against West Ham last time out, is expected to retain his position in the starting lineup. The Irish defender will be deployed as the left back.
Midfield
Burnley head coach Sean Dyche will be without the services of a host of midfielders, including Steven Defour and Robbie Brady. Former Stoke City man Jonathan Walters is also out with an injury while Scott Arfield’s return is doubtful.
Therefore, Jeff Hendrick will start alongside Jack Cork in central midfield while Aaron Lennon and Johann Berg Gudmundsson will be deployed on wider midfield positions.
Attack
Sean Dyche might revert to a 4-4-2 formation this weekend, meaning we could see both Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes start in the offensive department.
Both the strikers have received high-praises, due to their impressive performances this season and it will be interesting to see how they fare against the struggling Baggies this weekend.