Burnley vs. Everton: Key Issues That Will Shape Premier League Game
Everton travel to Turf More on Sunday for the day's early kick-off.
Both sides have only met twice in the past 35 years, each time in 2009, during the Clarets' only previous stint of Premier League football.
Burnley won the home tie 1-0 that year, as Louis Saha missed a penalty for the Toffees, but Everton managed a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture.
Here's a look at some of the main factors set to influence this contest.
Everton's Recovery
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Once again, Everton's European commitments will play a part in this game.
While Burnley have had an entire week to analyse Everton and construct an appropriate plan for this game, the Toffees have been focused on Lille until Thursday night.
Roberto Martinez is a manager keen on enforcing his own approach no matter the opponent, but such contrasting preparation time will still have an impact.
This scenario has played a factor all season, with Everton losing both games (against Manchester United and Crystal Palace) to follow a European tie thus far.
Burnley's Psychological State
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From Burnley's perspective, a key aspect will be their mindset going into this game.
Sean Dyche's side are yet to win a game on their return to top flight football, having lost and drawn four of their eight games to date.
As positive as their manager remains during training and in interviews, there's only so long he can regurgitate the same kind of phrases.
Too often, Burnley have appeared a step below their Premier League rivals and players may already be feeling they don't quite belong on the big stage.
Only a win can change that mentality and install any missing confidence.
Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman
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Away from mental and physical factors, Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman will play a key role in this fixture.
Attacking from deep, both players are in top form and must be closely tracked by Burnley's wingers.
Baines has created 22 chances this season, making him the third-most creative player in the Premier League. He has also been involved in nine of the Toffees' past 14 goals in all competitions.
Coleman's return against Aston Villa highlighted just how key the Irishman is to his side.
Instead of focusing on the left-sided Baines, Coleman's presence stretches defences, ensuring the Toffees carry a duel threat from both flanks. He also scored his third goal of the season in just his fifth start.
For Burnley to win, both Everton full-backs must be kept in their defensive third as much as possible.
Burnley's Attacking Threat
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The main reason for Burnely's lack of a win so far is their lack of threat in attack.
The Clarets have scored just four goals in their eight Premier League games, the joint-lowest return in the Premier League and already 12 fewer than Everton.
None of the club's strikers—Lukas Jutkiewicz, Danny Ings, Ashley Barnes and Marvin Sordell—have scored this season, which has an obvious detrimental effect on the team.
Heads drop any time a goal is conceded, knowing how hard it is to break down Premier League sides. Defenders are also far more anxious and nervy trying to protect a clean sheet.
Dyche will at least take comfort in the fact that three of his side's four goals have come in the past two games, which shows a vast improvement on the previous six straight games without scoring.
Additionally, Everton have conceded 16 goals this season, the most in the Premier League aside from Queens Park Rangers. There should be several chances to improve Burnley's scoring record in this game.
Statistics via WhoScored.com.
