Preview: Burnley Vs Derby

By Turftalker
April 23 2004

If the game against Franchise on Tuesday was a massive game, then tomorrow's match against Derby Count must be of supreme importance. George Burley brings a team high on confidence to Turf Moor, wanting to defeat another Lancashire side like they destroyed PNE 5-1.

Burnley FC Vs. Derby County FC

Team News:

The clarets will be hoping that both Ian Moore and Neil Wood can shake off injuries and make the squad tomorrow. Tont Grant is sadly out for the rest of the season, while Dean West will not play a part. Other than that Richard Chaplow and Paul Weller will be hopeful their run outs on Tuesday have improved fitness, while Dele Adebola is imrpoving all the time.

The clarets should be able to choose from the following:

Jensen, Roche, May, McGregor, Camara, Little, Johnrose, Chaplow, Weller, Branch, Blake, A Moore, I Moore, Chadwick, Pilkington, Adebola, Abbey, and Wood.

George Burley has virtually ruled out Jeff Kenna and Jamie Vincent and looks set to name an unchanged squad from the one that thrashed PNE 5-1. Tom Huddlestone is expected to continue at right-back, while Richard Jackson will play at left-back. Junior and Marco Reich played for the reserves in midweek, but neither are expected to be anything more than substitutes. Macus Tudgay, fresh from his brace against PNE will stay on the left wing, with Paul Peschisolido and Manel up front.

The Referee will be Eddie Evans and he will be Assisted by Dave Bryan and Keith Stroud.

Form Guide:

Derby go in to this game on the back of a 5-1 thrashing of PNE. Burnley meanwhile are looking to gain another vital home victory after losing 2 of their last 3 at home. But they may be confident with Derby only winning 2 games away from home all season.

Manager Views:

Stan was hopeful the clarets could gain a vital win and move to his magic 53 points target. "We did what we had to do against (Franchise) and got the three points, now we just need another win and that should guarantee First Division football next season and I am confident we can do that and hopefully on Saturday. There should be a good atmosphere, Derby should bring a good following and its a massively important game, but until we get a win they all are."

George Burley said: "Burnley is another six pointer. They had a good win over (Franchise) in mid week and I'm sure they will feel if they can beat us they will stay up. If we can win then we have a good opportunity of staying up so there's all to play for and it will be a tense game, but we will go with a lot of confidence and bang in form."

Current League Table:

16		Crewe Alexandra	43	14	10	19	53	59	-6		52
17		Nottingham Forest	43	12	15	16	56	57	-1		51
18		Rotherham United	43	12	14	17	47	57	-10		50
19		Burnley	43	12	14	17	58	72	-14		50
20		Derby County	43	12	13	18	51	65	-14		49
21		Walsall	43	12	12	19	42	61	-19		48
22	r	Gillingham	43	13	8	22	44	61	-17		47
23	r	Bradford City	43	10	6	27	38	64	-26		36
24	r	Wimbledon	43	7	4	32	38	86	-48		25

Other Key games:

Coventry Vs. Rotherham

Crewe Vs. Palace

Ipswich Vs. Forest

Walsall Vs. Sheffield Utd

Watford Vs. Norwich

Franchise Vs. Gillingham

Derby will also be backed by around 3000 fans at the Turf, which should make for a great atmosphere.