Burnley and Everton go into their game against each other at very different ends of the Premier League table and don’t their supporters in the Tavern know it.
The Clarets’ fans in the pub are getting slightly worried that their team are sliding closer and closer towards the foot of the table. A 3-1 away defeat to Southampton won’t have helped their confidence and for perhaps the first time this season, we saw a Burnley outfit that might be out of their depth.
The landlord in here is nodding at us in agreement so it seems there are plenty tipping Dyche’s men to struggle in the Tavern.
Meanwhile, Everton, who are in decent form, picked up a fantastic away point at the Etihad last weekend. A 1-1 draw against Manchester City means the Toffees have kept pace at the top and now sit only four points behind Pep Guardiola’s men.
So with mixed fortunes blighting the seasons of these two in particular, who should we be looking out for in their game at the weekend?
Here are 3 key men who will feature in the match between Burnley and Everton…
Martin Stekelenburg
It’s slightly odd to see a goalkeeper in a list like this, but after his heroics at Eastlands, there’s little surprise Martin Stekelenburg is kicking us off.
He was in inspired form, saving two penalties and producing and a man-of-the-match display to give his team a huge point.
Burnley will seriously struggle to get the ball past him, if he’s on the ball this weekend.
Romelu Lukaku
It was Romelu Lukaku’s goal that frustrated hosts Manchester City at the Etihad last weekend, and he’s showing signs that he’s ready for a season of success at Goodison Park.
Ronald Koeman’s ability to hang on to his star striker could turn out to be one of the biggest decisions of the season and he’s repaying that faith with good performances on the pitch.
If he’s playing well, it will be seriously tough for Burnley to get anything out of this game. He’ll fancy his chances against the lowly Clarets.
Jeff Hendrick
A summer signing from Derby County, Clarets midfielder Jeff Hendrick will know his form will be vital in any success at Turf Moor this season.
He’s been a big player for Burnley already this season and his industrious attitude could be the difference between staying in the division and getting relegated come the end of the campaign.
He’ll have his work cut-out against the Toffees this weekend but he’ll have to out-work the ever-busy Idrissa Gueye if his team are to have any success at Turf Moor on Saturday.
