BURNLEY v SWANS: The big talking points
Swansea City go in search of points at Burnley this weekend as they look to put a disappointing run of results behind them.
But Paul Clement’s men know they face a tough task as they take on a Clarets side who have enjoyed a fine start to the season.
Here are all the key talking points heading into the big game.
Cavalry charge
Clement’s men are set to be boosted by the return of a number of influential players this weekend.
Left-back Martin Olsson, midfielders Leon Britton and Renato Sanches, striker Wilfried Bony and new club skipper Angel Rangel have spent time in the treatment room of late, but all five players should be available at Turf Moor.
The reinforcements are welcome for a Swans side who have lost their last four games in all competitions.
Now it is Clement’s job to decide who plays where.
Once a Jack
The Swans’ trip to Burnley means a first reunion with midfielder Jack Cork, who left the Liberty for Lancashire in the summer.
Cork has been in good form for his new club having served the Swans well during two-and-a-half years at the Liberty.
The 28-year-old was a popular figure both in the dressing room and the stands during his time in Wales.
He racked up 83 Swans appearances, scoring two goals, and wore the captain’s armband on a number of occasions.
Vintage Clarets
Burnley head into this game after back-to-back 1-0 victories over Newcastle at home and Southampton away.
They go in search of a third successive top-flight win this weekend, which is something they have not managed since 1975 – when Brian Flynn was a Burnley player.
Sean Dyche’s team have made an impressive start to this season, having lost only two of their first 11 league games.
Impeccable record
Okay, so it may not count for much come 3pm on Saturday, but the Swans have a superb record against Burnley in the Premier League.
All four meetings between the clubs at this level have ended in Swans wins.
In 2014-15, there were a pair of 1-0 victories for Garry Monk’s Swans side.
And on the opening day of last season, the Swans landed another 1-0 success at Turf Moor before Fernando Llorente’s last-gasp goal gave Clement’s side a memorable 3-2 triumph in March.
A fifth straight Swans victory would be most welcome this weekend.
Turf Moor misers
Burnley are a tough nut to crack on their own patch.
In five home league games so far this season, they have conceded just two goals.
Only Manchester United (zero) and Liverpool (one) have conceded fewer goals on their ground so far this season, so the Swans will have to be at their best going forward.
It is worth noting that while their defensive record is very impressive, Dyche's Burnley have struggled a little on the front foot at home thus far.
They have netted just three home goals, which is the joint-lowest total – along with Bournemouth – in the division.
