Burnley look to pick up first win at Molineux in almost eight years and all but secure Premier League safety

Sean Dyche’s last three points at Molineux was in April 2013 with both sides in the Championship and Wolves battling relegation. Fast forward almost eight years later, Sunday’s opponents are in the Premier League, but it’s Burnley battling relegation this time around.

The Clarets sit 17th in the Premier League heading in to the fixture, six points clear of safety and could all but secure their top-flight status for next season with a win – going nine clear of Fulham.

Burnley are searching for their first win three, following narrow defeats to Southampton, Newcastle and Manchester United in recent weeks.

Despite the poor form, gaffer Sean Dyche insists that his side’s confidence is important – but confidence doesn’t win you games.

“I have been confident every season, but confidence doesn’t win you games,” said the Burnley boss. You can be as confident as you like. You need a team that performs to win you games.

I don’t think I lack confidence in myself or in the people around me, so we’ll hopefully turn any confidences we have as individuals and a collective into winning football.”

Nick Pope, who is in contention to be England’s number one for the upcoming European Championships, could be back between the sticks for the visitors after missing two games with a shoulder injury. The 29-year-old boasts the fifth highest saves tally in the Premier League this season with 107.

Ashley Barnes, alongside Republic of Ireland internationals Kevin Long and Robbie Brady are all sidelined, adding to fears the trio could miss the remainder of the campaign.

Clarets defender James Tarkowski is set to make his 300th league appearance including spells at Oldham and Brentford before joining Burnley in 2016.

The hosts are in better form than their opposition, with two wins on the bounce against Fulham and Sheffield United to use in their stride.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are set for a comfortable mid-table finish this season, sitting 12th with 41 points and three clear of Crystal Palace a place below in 13th.

The Wolves boss emphasised the need for his team to finish the season strongly, to ‘improve and build a foundation.’

“It’s important to play good, to perform, and improve our game against Burnley. This is what we focus on.

Until the end of the season we have a lot of matches to play and a lot of time when we can take advantage of the situation to try and improve and build a foundation. First, it’s Burnley, let’s totally focus on how we want to approach the game.”

Joint top scorers Ruben Neves and Pedro Neto will both miss the game as expected, with Neves continuing his period of isolation after contracting COVID-19 and Neto through injury.

Raul Jimenez isn’t expected back until the beginning of next season after suffering a head injury in November, alongside defenders Jonny and Fernando Marcel who will be watching from home.

Burnley have a chance to do the double over Wolves after a 2-1 win at Turf Moor – looking to complete the feat for the first time since 1956/57.