Source: SKY_Sports
Burnley v Sunderland preview
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Burnley are defending their 100 per cent home record as they welcome Sunderland to Turf Moor on Saturday in the Premier League's early kick-off.[LNB] The Clarets have struggled on their travels following promotion to the top-flight with three defeats, but at home it is a different matter.[LNB]Both Manchester United and Everton have come away empty handed, but Sunderland are sure to provide a stern test.[LNB]Burnley have now gone seven games in succession without conceding on their own patch - some 695 minutes.[LNB]Steve Bruce's maiden campaign at the Black Cats helm has begun positively and in theory they could rise to as high as third with victory at the weekend.[LNB]Sunderland already have an away victory to their name this season after clinching three points at Bolton and they will be looking for another Lancastrian success.[LNB]And history is very much on Sunderland's side, they are unbeaten in their last eight trips to Turf Moor - indeed they have not lost at Burnley since 1973.[LNB]Burnley suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at Liverpool last time out, but boss Owen Coyle could very well name an unchanged side.[LNB]Captain Steve Caldwell remains sidelined with the groin injury which has kept him out all season.[LNB]Mike Duff is fit again following his ankle problem, but Andre Bikey and Clarke Carlisle look set to continue in the heart of the defence.[LNB]New loan signing Dave Nugent came off the bench at Liverpool and he could be pressing for a start too.[LNB]Sunderland boss Bruce could welcome back George McCartney after he returned to training this week.[LNB]Should McCartney be brought back in, that would free Kieran Richardson to move back into midfield. Where Richardson will play will depend on Lee Cattermole who is struggling with a heel injury. [LNB]If the former Middlesbrough and Wigan star fails to play, Richardson could then fill the void in central midfield, but if he does play then Andy Reid, Steed Malbranque or Fraizer Campbell may drop out.[LNB]Kenwyne Jones is also pushing for a recall after he missed last week's win over Hull and he could also threaten Campbell's place in the side.[LNB]Phil Bardsley and Darren Bent are both expected to shake off knocks to start.[LNB]Possible starting XIsBurnley: Jensen, Mears, Jordan, Carlisle, Bikey, Alexander, McCann, Elliott, Blake, Fletcher, Paterson[LNB]Sunderland: Gordon, Bardsley, Richardson, Turner, Ferdinand, Malbranque, Cana, Cattermole, Reid, Jones, Bent[LNB]
