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How Burnley could line up for their first game back

Sports Mole looks at how Burnley could line up for their first Premier League game back against Manchester City.

Burnley will be looking to stretch their unbeaten run in the Premier League to eight matches when they return to action against Manchester City later this month.

Before the action was postponed in March, the Clarets had picked up four victories from their last seven matches, remaining unbeaten in the process during a strong run of form.

The 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on March 7 left them in 10th position in the table, just two points behind Jose Mourinho's side in eighth.

Sean Dyche's team are due to face the champions at some point over the weekend of 19-21 June, and here, Sports Mole looks at how the team could line up at the Etihad Stadium.


POSS BUR XI vs. CITY

Doubtful: Matthew Lowton (knee), Johan Berg Gudmundsson (hamstring), Ashley Barnes (hernia), Jay Rodriguez (Knee)

> Click here for Burnley's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

Burnley have concerns over the fitness of four players heading into the contest, with Matthew Lowton, Johan Berg Gudmundsson, Ashley Barnes and Jay Rodriguez all doubts.

Rodriguez picked up a knee injury against Spurs last time out and could miss out in Manchester, while Lowton could also be absent due to a knee problem of his own.

Gudmundsson has struggled with persistent hamstring and groin issues this term, although the Iceland international could be ready to play a part.

Barnes, though, is unlikely to be available at the Etihad Stadium as the experienced forward continues to recover from the hernia operation he underwent earlier this year.

Burnley's XI is expected to look similar to the one that took to the field against Mourinho's side on March 7, although there could be a change of formation if Rodriguez fails to prove his fitness.

Indeed, Jeff Hendrick could switch to the number 10 spot behind Chris Wood, allowing Aaron Lennon to feature on the right, although Robbie Brady and Matej Vydra are both options for Dyche.

James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil were both excellent in the team's strong run prior to the league being postponed and should start, while Phil Bardsley and Charlie Taylor are expected to keep their full-back spots in what could be a 4-4-1-1 formation.

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Written by
Matt Law
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