An early look ahead to Town's match with the Clarets
If the last five meetings between the two teams are anything to go by, the first goal in Saturday's home game with Burnley could be a big indicator in who will win the tie!
Town did the double over the Clarets last term with a 2-0 success at home and a narrow, vital one goal victory at Turf Moor.
Prior to that, Burnley had recorded three one goal victories against the Terriers.
Tuesday 26 February – Burnley 0 Town 1
James Vaughan scored a crucial goal at Turf Moor to boost Town’s survival hopes in late February. Vaughan scored in the 55th minute after Calum Woods’ effort had been saved by Lee Grant.
Saturday 25 August 2012 – Town 2 Burnley 0
Town recorded their first three points of the 2012/13 Championship season courtesy of goals from Joel Lynch and Jordan Rhodes.
Tuesday 1 October 2002 – Town 0 Burnley 1
Burnley ended Town’s Worthington Cup dream with an extra time winner from substitute Dimi Papadopoulos. A mix up between Paul Scott and Dwayne Mattis allowed Papadopoulus to capitalise and slide home the winning goal.
Saturday 24 February 2001 – Burnley 1 Town 0
The Clarets completed the double over Town thanks to a goal from Steve Davis. Burnley’s team again featured former Town striker Payton, while the likes of Nico Vaesen and Chris Lucketti lined up for Town.
Saturday 23 September 2000 – Town 0 Burnley 1
Andy Payton came back to haunt Town with the winner at the McAlpine Stadium. The striker scored in the 17th minute to settle the match.
Head to Head record – Town vs Burnley
| Town wins | Draws | Burnley wins | |
| League | 24 | 10 | 24 |
| League Cup | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| FA Cup | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Total | 26 | 11 | 29 |
Key battles
Anthony Gerrard vs Sam Vokes
24 year-old Sam Vokes is going about his business quietly and effectively, while his strike partner Danny Ings grabs the headlines. Ings, who has netted 14 goals in 20 appearances, has benefitted from Vokes' powerful front play.
Vokes has been more than handy in front of goal, though, with ten already to his name this season. Town’s Anthony Gerrard, Joel Lynch and, if selected, Tommy Smith will have to be at their best to keep the Championship’s form strikers at bay.
Paul Dixon vs Kieran Trippier
Right-back Kieran Trippier has arguably been one of the Championship’s best full-backs over the last two seasons. This season he is once again producing for the Clarets and is their leading assists maker with five for the season.
If Paul Dixon continues in the left-wing berth he will have a tough job trying to stop the marauding right-back, but if he does, he will cut off one of Burnley’s main supply lines.
James Vaughan vs Jason Shackell
Club Captain Jason Shackell has been in imperious form for the Clarets this term and has been one of the main reasons for their excellent defensive record.
Town interim captain James Vaughan has the potential to provide the former Norwich defender with one of his toughest challenges of the season when the pair come face to face this Saturday.
Watch the match live this Saturday – get your ticket now!
