Burnley aim to secure Premier League survival and sink Fulham at Craven Cottage

Burnley can secure Premier League football for next season on Monday night when they travel to Craven Cottage in a game that could send Fulham back down to the Championship if they lose.

Monday night’s fixture Between Fulham and Burnley is the very definition of a game with a lot riding on it. 

Sean Dyche’s men can earn another season in the top flight if they pick up all three points at Craven Cottage. However in doing so they will relegate Fulham straight back down the Championship in their first season back in the Premier League.

Leading up to this game the Burnley manager was very clear about having no emotions regarding relegating another team, with his focus being on staying in the league themselves.

Dyche said: “The idea of sympathy, it’s not really like that. There’s an empathy, I mean I’ve been through it myself so I understand it. They’re fighting for everything they can get quite obviously, nothings happened to them so if that moment comes for them then that’s the way it goes.

“Fulham have had a topsy turvy season, it’s not easy finding your ways.

“They had a calming situation with lots of draws and then got a couple of wins and then a period of losses. That’s the story of a Premier League season.

“Getting on the right side of those big moments when you need them, that’s one of the keys, that’s their challenge”.

Scott Parker was in no illusion about the importance of the game during his pre-match press conference. The former Fulham player was open about how their chances are slim, but remained firm in his belief that they still have some-what a control over their own destiny.

“It’s a massive match for us, I prefer it when there’s a definite to it, and what’s definite is that we need to win.

“These times are when it’s the most crucial, these are the times leagues are won, relegations are decided. 

“I understand the predicament we are in and I understand how difficult that challenge is, but at this moment it’s still a challenge and it’s still there.

“Is it totally in our hands? No, but what is in our hands is the next four games and we win four, that’s the aim”.

It’s safe to say this may not be a goalfest, Fulham have one point from their last 18, and Burnley have recorded just one win in their last five league outings. 

Aleksandar Mitrovic could be in for a start on Monday, the Serbian is known for his physicality and his ability in the air which could be used to match Burnley, who are known for the same style.

Parker will also be looking to use the pace of the likes of Ademola Lookman and Ivan Cavaleiro to run at the Burnley central defensive partnership of Ben Mee and James Tarkowski who can be a susceptible to players with agility and pace.

For Burnley, Chris Wood is said to be back for the game on Monday, having suffered with a dead leg. The New Zealand international will be a big boost for Sean Dyche and his side.

Another striker who excels in the air, Wood will be looking to isolate himself on the young and inexperienced defender Tosin Adarabioyo as a way to gain possession in the final third.

With the left foot that winger Dwight McNeil possesses, the midfielder will be looking to swing crosses in towards Wood.

The partnership with Wood and Matej Vydra, who is a more agile and technical player, imitates the Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe duo, using each others strengths to create chances against a Fulham side who have conceded 47 goals this season.

Loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek will return after missing the previous game against his parent club Chelsea, and Harrison Reed will take a fitness test to see whether he is available.

“Harrison Reed has just come in today for the first time with a little bit of light work so again in the next couple of games we’ll have more of a clear idea because it was more condition in today’s work” said Parker.

No matter the team deployed by Parker, the Cottagers’ task is simple. Avoid defeat or face Championship football next season.

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