Winless in their last two games, Sean Dyche’s Burnley seem to be losing out on the race to the Europa League this season, as they are now four points off Arsenal in the sixth place having played an extra game. They will look to put the pressure on the Gunners when they face Brighton at Turf Moor this weekend.
The Seagulls have not won any of their last five games in all competitions but drew 0-0 with Burnley in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. They are seven points off the drop zone and are relatively safe but will want to end the season on a high. But Dyche will believe that his side can take all three points from this game and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News
In early team news, The Clarets are still without the services of Steven Defour and Robbie Brady, both of who are long-term absentees. Scott Arfield is back in training but might not be risked while Ben Mee will undergo a late fitness test before the game to make it to the squad this weekend.
Expected lineup (4-4-2)
Defence
Nick Pope has been exceptional this season and has kept Tom Heaton out of the first team recently. He should retain his place under the bar for the game against Brighton. In the absence of Mee, Burnley have stuck with Kevin Long as a partner for James Tarkowski and both players have not done much wrong in recent games.
Stephen Ward at left-back and Matthew Lowton at right-back have been crucial to Burnley’s position in the league table and will have to be at their best once again this weekend.
Midfield
With Defour and Brady still not available, Dyche has to stick with his makeshift midfield for another game. Jack Cork has done well at the heart of the midfield and will retain his place in the side alongside Ashley Westwood, who needs to pick up his game.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson has added some mettle on the left side of the midfield and will start there yet again while Aaron Lennon will add the necessary width and creativity in the final third, playing on the right side of the midfield.
Attack
Ashley Barnes now has two goals in his last two games and will be the key forward this weekend. He will be partnered with Chris Wood, who needs to step up as his form has dipped of late.