Preview: Stoke City vs. Burnley - prediction, team news, lineups

Burnley will attempt to strengthen their already-strong promotion bid when they face Stoke City in the Championship on Friday evening.

At a time when the Clarets sit top and 11 points clear of third place, Stoke remain down in 17th position in the standings despite a three-game unbeaten spell.

Match preview

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With the majority of the teams below them remaining consistently inconsistent, Vincent Kompany knows that every win for Burnley takes them a step closer to earning an immediate return to the Premier League.

While it is too early to think too far ahead, the Clarets look unstoppable right now, netting three goals in a game for the fourth match in succession as they breezed past Birmingham City on Tuesday night.

Burnley have now accumulated 50 points from just 24 games, more than two points per match, and they are well on course to earn promotion with fixtures to spare.

However, Burnley's two defeats this campaign have come away from home, with just five wins being posted from 11 outings on the road ahead of a double-header with Stoke and Swansea City.

Although that return will not overly concern Kompany, the Belgian will recognise that his players can ill-afford any complacency versus the Potters.

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That is despite Stoke having to concern themselves with a relegation battle, with Alex Neil's side still only five points above the bottom three.

On a positive note, Stoke have put together a three-match unbeaten run for just the second time this season, collecting an important five points since the resumption after the World Cup.

Since being left frustrated by a 2-2 draw with Cardiff City, Stoke have since come from behind to defeat Bristol City and salvage a point at Rotherham United when twice trailing by a goal.

For Neil, they are steps in the right direction, and the Scot will recognise that further extending that record on Friday will be regarded as a point or three gained on the rest of the division given Burnley's relentless form.

Team News

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Barring any injury issues, Neil could stick with the Stoke XI which started the entertaining share of the spoils at Rotherham.

While Nick Powell is an option if Neil wants to play with more creativity in midfield, it appears unlikely against the best team in the division.

Harry Clarke is an option at right wing-back if Neil looks to move Jacob Brown back into the final third.

Kompany is also likely to keep changes to a minimum, even if he does feel tempted to rotate in a couple of positions.

Charlie Taylor is an alternative at left-back after providing an assist as a substitute versus Birmingham, while Nathan Tella may also return to the side.

Stoke City possible starting lineup:

Bonham; Souttar, Jagielka, Fox; Brown, Baker, Thompson, Smallbone, Tymon; Campbell, Delap

Burnley possible starting lineup:

Muric; Roberts, Harwood-Bellis, Beyer, Taylor; Cork, Cullen; Manuel, Brownhill, Tella; Rodriguez

We say: Stoke City 0-2 Burnley

Having had a day longer of preparation than the leaders, Stoke will fancy their chances of pulling off the upset. However, it is impossible to back against the Clarets right now, leaving us to predict another win and clean sheet for Kompany's side.

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