Burnley will host Leeds United at Turf Moor on Sunday, with both sides looking to claim their first win of the new Premier League season.
The Clarets lost 2-1 to Brighton and Hove Albion in their opening game before being beaten 2-0 by Liverpool at Anfield last weekend. They have lost their last five league games at home turf and Sean Dyche will be desperate to end the rut.
Dyche’s side head into the game off the back of a mid-week EFL Cup victory over Newcastle United, albeit on penalty shootouts.
Meanwhile, Leeds United registered their first point on the board after drawing 2-2 with Everton at Elland Road last weekend, having been tormented 5-1 in their season opener at the hands of hosts Manchester United.
The Peacocks secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over League One outfit Crewe Alexandra in the second round of EFL Cup on Tuesday night at Elland Road.
Marcelo Bielsa will hope Tuesday’s EFL Cup victory is the springboard his team needs to put a positive run of league form together, starting from the trip to Turf Moor.
Burnley vs Leeds United—Team News
Burnley
Ashley Westwood (toe) and Matej Vydra (groin) missed Burnley’s league encounter at Liverpool and the EFL Cup game against Newcastle but could return to the squad on Sunday. Kevin Long and Dale Stephens remain sidelined through injury, though.
Aaron Lennon has re-joined the Clarets, signing a one-year deal. The nippy winger will be available against his former club having re-signed for Dyche’s side in time to play at St James’ Park on Wednesday night, where he played less than half-hour.
Nick Pope is set to continue in goal for Burnley and will be eyeing his first clean sheet of the season having conceded four goals in the first two games. In front of Pope, the back four Matthew Lowton, James Tarkowski, Ben Mee and Charlie Taylor are expected to start.
Ashley Westwood could be throwing straight into the starting XI against Leeds. He’ll partner Jack Cork in the middle of the park, with the duo hoping to do a better screening job this time around. Josh Brownhill could get moved out wide down the right with Dwight McNeil a certainty on the left flank due to his work ethic, pace and crossing ability.
Dyche plays with two strikers and will persist with the tried and tested partnership of Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes.
Leeds United
Diego Llorente could make his first Premier League start of the season after recovering from a muscle problem to play the first half against Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Cup. Adam Forshaw returned to the Leeds side too in mid-week after nearly two years out on the sidelines due to hip and groin problems.
Robin Koch remains doubtful with a pubis problem for Sunday’s game.
Seven goals conceded in the first two games clearly suggest that Leeds must tighten up at the back and that starts with goalkeeper Illan Meslier. Diego Llorente has struggled with fitness since arriving at the club but now fully fit and raring to go, the Spaniard could slot into Bielsa’s three-man backline alongside Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper.
Stuart Dallas and Junior Firpo will maintain the width from the wing-back positions. Kalvin Phillips’ importance to Bielsa’s system is unexplainable and he will start in the holding role. Raphinha and Jack Harrison are speedy and tricky customers who will look to exploit Burnley’s weakness at the back with Mateusz Klich linking the midfield and attack.
Patrick Bamford is the Whites’ chief source of goals and should lead their attack against Dyche’s men.
Burnley vs Leeds United—Predicted Lineups
Burnley Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Nick Pope; Matthew Lowton, James Tarkowski, Ben Mee, Charlie Taylor; Dwight McNeil, Ashley Westwood, Jack Cork, Josh Brownhill; Ashley Barnes, Chris Wood.
Leeds United Predicted Lineup (3-3-3-1): Illan Meslier; Luke Ayling, Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper; Junior Firpo, Kalvin Phillips, Stuart Dallas; Raphinha, Mateusz Klich, Jack Harrison; Patrick Bamford.
Burnley vs Leeds United— Key Players
Burnley—Chris Wood
Chris Wood was Burnley’s top scorer last season with 12 goals. While he is yet to open his account this campaign, the Kiwi would be a real handful for the Leeds defenders to cope on Sunday. He will be the Clarets’ man to watch at Turf Moor.
Leeds United—Raphinha
Raphinha looked back to his old self in the last league game, dancing past Everton players and beating them with his pace and dribbling skills. The Brazilian scored a fabulous curler to help the Whites earn a point at Elland Road. With his ability to create things out of nothing, he could make a big difference in Lancashire.
Prediction: Burnley 1-3 Leeds United
