EPL: West Brom v Burnley preview

West Brom v Burnley preview

Goalkeeper Tom Heaton is closing in on a return from injury, giving Sean Dyche a potential selection headache as Burnley travel to West Brom.

Heaton has played four games behind closed doors as he builds up his fitness after suffering a dislocated shoulder in September, but his return is not guaranteed given Pope's form in his absence, which earned him an England call-up.

"Tom's really close to getting back to being involved. I spoke to him in the week about it and (it's about) being almost overly assured he's right," Dyche explained.

 

"He's going really well, he's feeling really good. They're the challenges you want as a manager. That's why you bring players to the club.

"You don't bring players in just for an easy ride. You want that competitive element. I certainly want to be put in a position where I have to choose and choose wisely because they're performing well."

 

West Brom are 10 points adrift of safety with only seven games remaining and when asked about the club's chances of avoiding the drop, manager Alan Pardew said: "Our results so far suggest it will be difficult, if not impossible. But it is one game at a time and that's as simplistic as I'm keeping it with the group.

 

"I've made it clear that I am fighting for this club because I believe it's a good club. I kind of feel I owe this football club.

"The results since I've been here should have been better and I'd like to come back next season with a squad that better reflects the way I play, with a bit more attacking prowess."

 

Despite his recent progress, Heaton may still be missing for Burnley this weekend.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson should be fine despite picking up a knock on international duty with Iceland but Scott Arfield (calf), Robbie Brady and Steven Defour (both knee) remain out.

 

West Brom will be without Sam Field, who will miss out after sustaining a calf injury while away with the England U21 squad and Gareth Barry is still having issues with a knee problem.

Barry could be back for the home game against Swansea but Nacer Chadli (thigh) and Daniel Sturridge (hamstring) will be a little longer.