Match Preview

Burnley (A)

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Derby County visit Turf Moor to face fellow Carling Cup quarter-finalists Burnley side who may have one eye on a meeting with Arsenal on Tuesday night. It`s been a busy week at Pride Park with lots of movement and the Derby side could have a couple of new faces in the team compared to the side who fought out the 2-2 draw with Preston in midweek. Owen Coyle`s side come into the game on the back of a 3-2 reversal at Oakwell against Barnsley on Monday night and will be looking for a boost before their big game next week.

A busy loan deadline day saw plenty of coming and going at Pride Park, Jay McEveley went to Charlton, Liam Dickinson went to Blackpool and Mitch Hanson joined Notts County all on short-term loans following the departure to Andy Todd to Northampton earlier in the week. Coming in were James Tomkins, a young, pacey England youth international who plays in the centre of defence and Luke Varney, the former Crewe striker who is another with pace to burn and joins on loan from Charlton Athletic with a view to a permanent deal when the transfer window opens in January. Both look to be useful additions to a squad that has looked slightly jaded in recent games and give further options to Paul Jewell at both ends of the pitch.

Burnley have been on a fine run with only two defeats in the last nineteen games and they made a name for themselves by putting Chelsea out of the Carling Cup at Stamford Bridge on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Top scorer Martin Paterson has nine goals to his name this season and Chris Eagles has been in fine form in recent weeks and has four goals from the wing during Burnley`s run. The Clarets take on Arsenal on Tuesday in their Carling Cup quarter-final looking to cause another upset against Wenger`s team who have looked edgy in recent weeks and it may be an ideal time to play The Gunners if there is such a thing!

Vital Quotes:

‘It’s a massive move for me and I’m completely delighted to be honest.’

I’ve always been quite attracted to Derby being from this sort of area. “

I’m delighted to be at such a big club with such a big history.’

uke Varney talks of his joy of signing for Derby on loan with a view to a permanent deal.

Burnley Team News:

Steven Thompson is back from his suspension but the game may come just to soon for Wade Elliott. Christian Kalvenes and Remco van der Schaaf could miss out through injury.

Player to watch: Chris Eagles

Former Manchester United trainee who was just beginning to break into the first team squad but found his chances limited and moved to Burnley on a permanent deal before the close of the summer transfer window. Tricky winger with a turn pace and has proved a big hit so far at Turf Moor this season.

Derby County Team News:

New loanees Luke Varney and James Tomkins go straight into the squad for this clash, both could start after signing on short-term deals. Albrechtsen and Leacock still sidelined and Kazmierczak set to keep his place after a man of the match performance on Tuesday.

Player to watch: Luke Varney

Could be in line for an immediate debut and will add the pace that Derby have missed up front. Didn`t play at Crewe with Hulse but he could be the perfect foil for the big striker and if he can stay fit will look to pick up where he left off in his days under Dario Gradi after injury interrupted his career at Charlton.

Match Facts & Stats

Last five results

Burnley
Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) 0-2
Chelsea (A) 1-1 Akinbiyi
Queens Park Rangers (A) 2-1 Blake, Mahon
Doncaster Rovers (H) 0-0
Barnsley (A) 2-3 Paterson (2)

Derby County
Reading (A) 0-3
Leeds United (H) 2-1 Villa, Ellington
Sheffield Wednesday (H) 3-0 Commons, Addison, Stewart
Ipswich Town (A) 0-2
Preston North End (H) 2-2 Hulse, Stewart

Match Prediction:

Another tough test for Derby and they have struggled in their last two away games. Paul Jewell`s side may have a different look with the addition of the loan signings and they will tighten things up here after defensive lapses on Tuesday to take a 1-1 draw.

Next Fixtures:

2nd Dec v Stoke City (Carling Cup) Britannia Stadium

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