EPL: Burnley v West Brom preview

Burnley v West Brom preview

Burnley will be looking to follow up their stunning victory at Chelsea on the opening weekend when they welcome West Brom to Turf Moor.

The Clarets achieved one of the results of the season at Stamford Bridge as they downed the defending champions, racing in to a three-goal lead before a late Blues fightback saw the match finish 3-2 in favour of the visitors.

Having only won once away from home last term, the win in west London was certainly one to saviour for the Burnley faithful. 

Manager Sean Dyche will be confident of making it back-to-back wins given how strong his team are at home, collecting 82 per cent of their points at Turf Moor in the previous campaign.

West Brom were one of a few teams to come away from Lancashire with anything to show for their efforts after battling to a 2-2 draw last season and they are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Burnley. 

Dyche will be hoping to change that this weekend and is boosted by the news he has no fresh injury concerns. Dean Marney (knee) is Dyche's only long-term injury absentee, while summer signing Phil Bardsley has been struggling for match fitness but is expected to feature.

West Brom will head north slightly distracted by matters off the field as boss Tony Pulis eagerly looks to add to his squad in the closing stages of the transfer window. 

Pulis admitted he is “desperate” to improve his options and has at least made a start by landing Gareth Barry from Everton this week with the ex-England midfielder in line to make his debut on Saturday. 

However, the club face a battle to retain the services of skipper Jonny Evans, Pulis confirming Manchester City have had a bid rejected for the central defender this week.

Evans is unlikely to feature at Turf Moor this weekend due to a hamstring injury but will still undergo a late fitness test, as will James Morrison. Gareth McAuley is definitely unavailable due to a thigh injury.

New signings Jay Rodriguez and Ahmed Hegazy are set to keep their places in the side, with the latter having proven to be the hero last weekend as he netted the winner in the 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at the Hawthorns.

West Brom struggled on the road for the majority of last season, recording just three away wins, and have so far failed to register a win on their travels in 2017.