Burnley play host to MK Dons in the FA Cup third round looking to continue their excellent run of results from Premier League fixtures.

Meanwhile, the visitors, who are in 16th position in League One, have got the better of non-league Eastleigh and Barnet to earn a trip to Turf Moor.

Match preview

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On the back of collecting 11 points from six Premier League fixtures, Sean Dyche would have been disappointed when their latest fixture against Fulham was postponed due to positive coronavirus tests.

Nevertheless, with the club's takeover having been finalised, it presented Dyche with a chance to give more consideration to his plans for the second half of the season.

Having had to work with a restricted squad for much of the campaign, Dyche will almost certainly enter the transfer market, but the rest could work wonders for his stretched group of players.

Burnley play seven matches between Saturday and February 2, a schedule which will be made busier if they are able to overcome their next opponents.

However, at a time when he needs to mix avoid a Premier League relegation battle with impressing his new bosses, Dyche will want to go as far as possible in this competition.

Despite the prospect of another fixture being added to their calendar, the same can be said of MK Dons as they bid to benefit financially from further progress.

That is the case with all EFL clubs at this stage of the competition, but Russell Martin will also want to see his squad make an impression against the odds.

MK Dons recorded convincing wins over Bristol Rovers and Swindon Town to end 2021, and an extended break from action should breathe new life into their bid to stay away from the third tier drop zone.

Martin will hope that veteran forward Cameron Jerome can add to his eight goals for the season after scoring a double in his last outing.

Burnley form (all competitions): DWDWLW

MK Dons FA Cup form: DW
MK Dons form (all competitions): WDDLWW

Team News

With Manchester United to come on Tuesday evening, Dyche is likely to make several changes to his Burnley XI.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Phil Bardsley, Kevin Long, Jimmy Dunne, Dale Stephens and Josh Benson could all be given opportunities in the team.

Dwight McNeil and Jay Rodriguez are also pushing for a return after injury, but Charlie Taylor will miss out with a hamstring problem.

Having not played since December 29, MK Dons boss Martin is unlikely to make major alterations to the team which started the victory away at Swindon.

Youngster Jack Davies could be handed a debut after Baily Cargill left for Forest Green Rovers, while Joe Mason is an alternative in attack if Martin opts to rest either Jerome or Scott Fraser.

Burnley possible starting lineup:
Peacock-Farrell; Bardsley, Long, Dunne, Pieters; Brady, Benson, Stephens, McNeil; Rodriguez, Wood

MK Dons possible starting lineup:
Fisher; Lewington, Keogh, Davies; Poole, Gladwin, Surman, Sorensen, Harvie; Fraser; Jerome

We say: Burnley 3-0 MK Dons

In the event that Dyche rotates his squad, MK Dons will fancy their chances of causing an upset. However, the unexpected rest should benefit the Clarets, and we expect the Premier League side to cruise to victory at the weekend.

Top betting tip

Written by
Darren Plant

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