Vincent Kompany could use the depth of his Burnley squad in Stoke clash

Posted Tuesday, October 04, 2022 by PA

Burnley boss Vincent Kompany could use the depth of his squad as he looks for a third successive home win in Wednesday night’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Stoke.

Defender Charlie Taylor returned from a hamstring problem for Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Cardiff with midfielder Johann Berg Gudmundsson also getting the nod as Jordan Beyer and Manuel Benson made way.

Kompany has indicated he will need all his players during a month which includes eight league fixtures and could rotate after Saturday’s disappointing draw.

Scott Twine and Kevin Long are closing in on returns, but Darko Churlinov and long-term absentee Ashley Westwood are still out.

Stoke manager Alex Neil is expecting a major response from his team after Sunday’s 4-0 home drubbing by Watford.

Neil brought his players in for training on Monday in the aftermath of a dreadful afternoon and told them they would not have any days off this week as they attempt to improve upon a run of just one win in his five games to date at the helm.

Keeper Joe Bursik played at the weekend after withdrawing from the England Under-21s squad following a family bereavement, while Chelsea loanee Dujon Sterling was handed a debut and Harry Clarke returned from injury as a substitute.

However, Sam Clucas missed out once again with a hamstring problem and Neil has revealed he has “seven or eight” injuries ahead of the trip to Turf Moor, although was coy over their identities.