Clarets Mad - Clarets v Blades Match Preview.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

Clarets Mad - Clarets v Blades Match Preview.
Venue: Turf Moor, Harry Potts Way, Burnley BB10 4BX.
Kick-off – 20.00 – Monday 10th April 2023.

Having secured promotion on Good Friday with a win at Middlesbrough, Burnley’s next task is to endeavour to beat Sheffield United at Turf Moor on Easter Monday in the evening kick-off and then try and go on and ultimately win the Championship title.

Vincent Kompany’s Clarets are currently eleven points ahead of Paul Heckingbottom’s Blades with a vastly superior goal difference of nine**** and only seven games left to play for each team. The odds are currently stacked in Burnley’s favour to win the Championship; perhaps it is appropriate to clear a space in the Boardroom’s trophy cabinet now?

The truly remarkable outcome for Burnley Football Club from this early promotion is that Alan Pace and Vincent Kompany have now earned themselves four months plus the August window to prepare the squad for the Clarets’ return to the English Premier League. That is a massive reward for getting promoted from the Championship with seven games still to play.

When one considers the Championship play-off winners in May will be a full two months behind the Clarets in preparation time to get ready for the EPL kick-off in August, Vincent Kompany has earned himself a massive time advantage over at least one newly promoted rival.

In his post-match Middlesbrough interview Vincent Kompany was quick to point out that his squad will need to lay off the promotion celebrations and be ready and waiting to avenge the 5-2 thrashing the Clarets suffered in the reverse fixture at Bramhall Lane way back in November. The Clarets have stiffened their defensive resolve since that defeat and now refuse to be physically bullied in the way Heckingbottom’s tactics won the match for the Blades on that Bonfire Night game.

One’s to watch: For the Blades the veteran striker Billy Sharp plays back-up to the goal-scoring duo of Oli McBurnie and Iliman Ndiaye, for the Clarets take your pick from any player except goalkeeper Arijanet Muric who remains goalless in this record-breaking season for the Clarets.

Verdict: In what is unquestionably another important White Rose duel the Blades need a win to stay firmly on course towards their journey’s end to automatic promotion, Burnley will strive to maintain their unbeaten home record. The Championship Winners Medals are still up for grabs and another seven straight wins will give the Clarets a record total of 108 points, beating Reading’s long-standing record of 106 points.

This game is sure to be one heck of a celebration for the home fans, if Vincent Kompany can dampen down his players promotion euphoria, I expect the Clarets to celebrate in style and avenge the November mauling at Bramhall Lane with a resounding 4-1 home win.

Footnote: The memory of that decisive May 2009 play-off win over the Blades at Wembley still burns brightly in most Burnley fans brains who were present in London on that glorious day. For me it would be fitting if both of Monday night’s protagonists can face each other twice in next seasons English Premier League. Game on!

An opinion and post from The Editor’s Chair – Clarets Mad.

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[sinkov]

Seeing as we did them an almighty favour last night, I would imagine there were a few pubs in Sheffield bouncing when our 2nd goal went in, you'd hope they have the decency to play fair on Monday night and not try to kick the **** out of us, but they probably will.

One bonus for us, in contrast to his rabbit in the headlights performance at Bramall Lane, Muric is now starting to command his area like a giant keeper should. So sling them in Blades, Aro will pluck them all out of the air with aplomb.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

Seeing as we did them an almighty favour last night, I would imagine there were a few pubs in Sheffield bouncing when our 2nd goal went in, you'd hope they have the decency to play fair on Monday night and not try to kick the **** out of us, but they probably will.

One bonus for us, in contrast to his rabbit in the headlights performance at Bramall Lane, Muric is now starting to command his area like a giant keeper should. So sling them in Blades, Aro will pluck them all out of the air with aplomb.

His improvement coincides with a defence that is rock solid and that cannot be a coincidence can it?

[sinkov]

Mrs S reckons it playing with Al Dakhil in front of him that's boosted his confidence. I pointed out he'd not played 250 minutes behind him yet, but she said it's training with him during the week that's obviously done the trick. No arguing with 'er indoors.

[Swissclaret]

Muric, overall, has improved but had a poor night at Boro. The only positive was that he caught three or four high balls.

His distribution was poor, leading Maatson to have a go at him. He also failed to give Roberts the shout, resulting in a needless corner to Boro. He also appeared to fumble a shot and then feigned agony over a mysterious injury. An off - night for sure.

[Tap in MN]

Did Barnes play at SU ?. Brownhill didn't so I expect our ability to handle the rough stuff to be much better.

[Norder]

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FH 0-0

[Norder]

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Second half begins.

Cork and Foster off - Guds and Benson on.


a good start ,would be to keep the ball instead of giving it away..... .

[Norder]

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GAME OVER - 2-0

Improved second half, with Guds taking the crown.

[kritichris]

It makes you wonder how 11 v 11 would have panned out. A win and honours almost even. It's ironic that one of the teams likely to be relegated took 4 points off us.