The Championship’s top two ready to lock horns

Turf Moor – Photo Credits: Adam Clarke

The East Lancashire derby is back for the first time in five years and there’s more on the line than ever.

One of the most fierce and competitive derbies in the country is set for another heated tie. Burnley top the Championship and Blackburn sit in second place, two points behind. The visitors can rise to the top with a victory on their rivals turf. A draw or a victory for Burnley would leave them top of the league heading into the break for the World Cup.

The football community has been deprived of this historic derby in recent years, given Burnley’s top flight run. They last met in the Carabao cup some five years ago, so this weekend’s match is expected to be very heated, with Lancashire Police issuing multiple warnings to both clubs.

With 20 games of the season already played, both clubs will be very happy with their respective league positions. Burnley have only lost twice but were thumped by Sheffield United last weekend. Blackburn boast the most victories in the league and won their last match against Huddersfield 1-0. Both sides have won four of their last five games.

The two teams haven’t always been evenly matched, but the overall statistics are. The fixture has been played 102 times since 1888, with each club having periods of dominance. Burnley have 42 victories to their name, and Blackburn 41. 19 of their matches have ended in a draw.

Recently, the Clarets have been the dominant force. Their unbeaten run of seven games against Rovers casts back to 2010, meaning Blackburn haven’t got one over them for twelve years. Blackburn have never actually beaten Burnley whilst the two sides have been in the ‘Championship’.

However, before 2014, Burnley hadn’t beat Blackburn for 35 years. In that time period there were 11 matches played. Now the two sides are back in the same division it is an even playing field, and there is more history to be made.

Turf Moor – Photo Credits: Burnley FC

Blackburn have not faced a tougher task all season, as Burnley are unbeaten at Turf Moor this campaign. However, Rovers do have their own threats to bring with them on Sunday. Talisman Ben Brereton Diaz is in fine form and has committed his short-term future to the club to help them in their bid for promotion. The Chilean forward is a special talent and will cause Burnley a lot of problems.

At the other end of the pitch, Blackburn also have one of the most solid defences in the league. On average they concede just under one goal per game, a record that is better than Burnley’s. However, the Claret’s have a far superior goals for record.

Remarkably, Blackburn have not drawn a single game this season, and don’t expect that run to come to an end on Sunday. History suggests there will most likely be one side celebrating come 2:30 on Sunday afternoon.

As for the team news, Vincent Kompany should be able to call upon two big players that missed last weekend’s defeat. Josh Brownhill has served his one-match suspension, and Jay Rodriguez has been back training with the rest of the team this week.

Meanwhile, barring any fitness issues, Jon Dahl Tomasson should look to revert back to the same 11 that started last weekend in their victory over Huddersfield.

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