Burnley vs Hull City. Premier League.
Turf MoorAttendance18,803.
Saturday 10 September 2016 14:16, UK
Record-signing Jeff Hendrick is set to make his Burnley debut when Hull visit Turf Moor in the Premier League on Saturday.
Hendrick, a Deadline Day capture from Derby, scored for the Republic of Ireland in midweek and could slot straight into central midfield alongside fellow new recruit Steven Defour.
The Clarets have made a steady start on their return to the top-flight, winning one of their opening three fixtures, but manager Sean Dyche will be be keen to atone for their defeat at Chelsea a fortnight ago, where he admitted his side suffered from a gulf in class.
Hull will be looking to get back to winning ways after Manchester United inflicted their first defeat of the season in the last game before the international break.
Saturday's trip to Turf Moor also presents Tigers caretaker Mike Phelan with another chance to stake a claim to the manager's job on a permanent basis - a position he still harbours aspirations of filling.
Patrick Bamford follows Hendrick into Burnley's matchday squad, but the on-loan Chelsea striker may have to make do with a place on the bench.
Liverpool loanee Jon Flanagan may make a first league appearance having worked on his fitness over the international break, but Saturday's game comes too soon for forward Ashley Barnes, who remains out with a hamstring issue.
Phelan, who has no new injury or suspension concerns, had only 14 fit senior players for the 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United last time out, but he could add all six new summer signings to his squad on Saturday.
Club-record signing Ryan Mason and striker Will Keane are among those hoping to feature, as too are fellow new recruits goalkeeper David Marshall, midfielders Markus Henriksen and James Weir, plus forward Dieumerci Mbokani.
Phelan will also assess Abel Hernandez following the striker's return from international duty with Uruguay.
Burnley have won 10 of their last 12 league games against Hull (L2), including winning all four Premier League meetings in that time.
The Tigers have scored just two goals in their last nine league visits to Turf Moor.
There has not been a draw in the last 16 league meetings between these sides, with Burnley winning 11.
Both these sides have been relegated in the two previous seasons they have been in the Premier League together (2009/10 and 2014/15).
Only one of the last seven league clashes between these two sides has seen more than one goal scored - Hull's 3-0 win in December 2015.
The Tigers have used just 13 different players this season, with Shaun Maloney and Harry Maguire the only players to be used from the bench.
Burnley have attempted fewer shots overall than any other Premier League team (19).
These two sides have allowed their opponents the most efforts on goal this season in the Premier League (Hull City - 70, Burnley - 65).
Tom Heaton has made more saves than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this season (18), with Hull's Eldin Jakupovic second (15).
Curtis Davies had made more clearances (35) and interceptions (21) than any other Premier League player this season.
This is a cup final for Burnley. I know it's early in the season, but this would have been one of the fixtures they earmarked at the start of the campaign as three points in their bid for survival.
Hull may be a bit down after doing so well against Man Utd and conceding late, and I think they will get edged out again on Saturday.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-0 (Most popular Super 6 prediction: 1-1)
