Predicted Burnley line-up to face Istanbul Basaksehir in Europa League qualifier
Burnley have been drawn to face Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir in the Europa League’s third qualifying round after overcoming Aberdeen over two legs last week.
The Clarets first travel to Turkey to face Istanbul Basaksehir on August 9 before hosting them at Turf Moor on August 16.
Should Burnley beat Istanbul Basaksehir over two legs, Sean Dyche can look forward to a trip to face either Olympiakos or FC Luzern.
Team News
England’s reserve World Cup goalkeeper Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder last week and is set to miss months of action. Burnley’s second-choice keeper Tom Heaton is also struggling with a calf injury, while Steven Defour remains sidelined with a calf strain. It remains to be seen if Chris Wood can shrug off the knock he picked up in the Aberdeen game.
Meanwhile, Ben Gibson could make his debut on Thursday after moving from Middlesbrough.
Burnley predicted XI vs Istanbul Basaksehir
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Manager: Sean Dyche
Anders Lindegaard (GK)
With Pope and Heaton out injured, Anders Lindegaard could deputize once again between the sticks.
Matthew Lowton (RB)
Energetic and aggressive, Lowton will have to be at his defensive best against the Turkish club.
James Tarkowski (CB)
Tarkowski was rock-solid in the last qualifying round and he must keep the Istanbul Basaksehir players at bay.
Ben Mee (CB)
Partnering Tarkowski at the heart of defence would be Ben Mee, who missed a certain chunk of the last campaign with a shin injury.
Stephen Ward (LB)
To cope with up Basaksehir’s quick attacking play, Ward has to be at his best to guide Burnley to a positive result.
Ashley Westwood (CM)
Ashley Westwood will be important against the Turkish giants in the middle of the park. He is a tidy passer of the ball and is known for keeping things simple rather than being a tad too ambitious.
Jack Cork (CM)
Cork thumped home a powerful header in the last game against Aberdeen. He is often tasked with doing the dirty job for the team.
Aaron Lennon (LW)
Pacey, quick and industrious, Lennon could be a handful for the opposition defenders in Turkey. Lennon’s end product has often let him down in his career but on his day, he can be a devastating player to deal with.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson (RW)
A creative wide man, Gudmundsson works hard for the team and his presence on the pitch is vital for the Clarets. He can swing in crosses from his sweet left-foot and also can create panic for the opposition defenders with his dribbling skills.
Ashley Barnes (SS)
Barnes sealed the tie from the spot against Aberdeen and he must aim to get on the score-sheet in Turkey as well.
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Sam Vokes (ST)
Due to his towering presence, Sam Vokes can be a real handful for Basaksehir defenders.
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