Burnley could ensure they head into the World Cup break at the top of the Championship table when they take on fierce rivals Blackburn Rovers.

The Clarets suffered a 5-2 defeat against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane last weekend – only their second defeat of the campaign.

Vincent Kompany’s men returned to winning ways in midweek, overcoming Crawley Town in the Carabao Cup after a brace from Anass Zaroury.

Team news

Jay Rodriguez is a doubt for the Clarets, having missed the last couple of matches after picking up an injury against Rotherham.

Scott Twine, Ashley Westwood and Darko Churlinov all remain sidelined but could come back into contention after the World Cup break.

Rovers have a near fully-fit squad to choose from, having made wholesale changes in midweek. Sam Barnes is a long-term absentee with an ACL issue.

Opposition lowdown

Rovers are currently second in the table and have won more games than any other side in the division since the start of the campaign.

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men recorded a 1-0 victory against Huddersfield in their last league outing, with Ben Brereton getting the decisive goal.

They also beat West Ham on penalties in the Carabao Cup third round following a 2-2 draw at the London Stadium on Wednesday night.

Head-to-head

Burnley have faced Rovers 100 times in their history, with a record of 41 wins, 18 draws and 41 defeats.

The Clarets ran out 2-0 winners when the sides last met in August 2017 thanks to goals from Jack Cork and Robbie Brady.

They also came out on top in the last meeting at Turf Moor. Andre Gray got the decisive goal from the penalty spot that day.

Burnley are unbeaten in their last seven matches against Rovers, with their last defeat in the fixture coming in March 2010.

Predicted line-up

Lancashire Telegraph:


Clarets on social, plus take out a subscription...

Keep up to date with our Burnley coverage on social media by joining us on Facebook and Twitter

Gain unlimited access to the Lancashire Telegraph website with a premium digital subscription

Or if you want the Telegraph newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227