Fully fit Clarets take on Mourinho's Reds

Last updated : 28 October 2016 By The Editor's Chair

Sean Dyche has selection problems of the right sort as his Burnley team make the short journey to Old Trafford to take on the "Special One's" Reds tomorrow.

Steven Defour looks likely to be available for the Clarets' away day at Manchester United.

Defour missed out on last week's 2-1 home victory over Everton with a hamstring injury sustained in the 3-1 loss at St. Mary's.

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Photo source: PA.

Belgian international Steven Defour joins Stephen Ward, George Boyd and long term absentee Ashley Barnes off the Turf Moor treatment table.

All look certain to be available for selection following their return from injury. The completion of an FA ban for tweeting offences means Clarets' hitman Andre Gray is also in the running for a return to Sean Dyche's starting line-up.

The dilemma for Dyche is whether to revert to his preferred 4-4-2 formation and add Gray or continue with big Sam Vokes playing up top on his own in Dyche's new 4-1-4-1 ensemble.

The return of Gray and the availability of Ward, Barnes, Boyd and Defour places a lot more tactical options for the Burnley gaffer. 

Dyche commented, “We’ve enjoyed the way we’ve looked at it, I changed it at Leicester, before Andre’s absence, so it wasn’t because of it." 

 

James Tarkowski was introduced into the fray against Everton as a substitute, a tactical switch which perhaps epitomises Dyche's continuing willingness to take on the Premier League's finest.

Dyche added, "I felt the team needs to be flexible in its planning, and I’ve been quite pleased with the way it’s gone, more like a 4-4-1-1". 

“There is still scope to change it back, I do like playing with two centre forwards, but it’s nice to know we have that flexibility when we need it.”

A mouth watering match up between Mourinho and Dyche is certainly on the cards as Burnley look to earn their first away points of the season. Can't wait! (TEC).