Fan Focus: Burnley fan Joe lifts the lid on Scott Parker's side ahead of facing Sunderland!

Today at 01:00 AM

Ahead of tonight's match, we spoke to Joe of the TurfCast Podcast, to discuss how Sunderland should set up to defeat Scott Parker's side. Who should we be wary of?

Burnley have conceded just nine goals this season - was is the secret behind Scott Parker's defensive success?

It's a mixture of a brilliant defence and style of play.

Scott Parker isn't the most adventurous manager in the world when it comes to free-flowing attacking football, and our cautious approach certainly helps things. But the lads we have in defence are all superb.

Maxime Esteve, in my opinion, is the best centre-back in the Championship, and he plays alongside CJ Egan-Riley who's having his breakthrough season after spending two years on the sidelines and he's taken the chance brilliantly.

Then you have James Trafford who admittedly was out of his depth last season in the Premier League but he's been brilliant this year and is growing in confidence every week, and not forgetting the full-backs. It's the perfect combination.

Given the level of player turnover during the summer, have you been surprised with Parker's success or was this expected across the fanbase to go straight back up?

It's a tough one because a lot of us expected to go straight back up BEFORE we sold all the players, and some fans haven't let go of that, however even with the turnover we still have one of the most expensive squads at this level.

What happened in the summer was a lot for any manager and team to deal with - but we've come out the other side and slowly improved week after week.

I wouldn't say I'm surprised but personally, I'm happy with where we are right now.

Parker's side are unbeaten at Turf Moor this season, if you were setting up a side to win, how do you beat Burnley?

Well, Sunderland are one of only two teams to beat us this season so if anyone knows it is you guys!

But the best thing to do against Burnley is sit back, stick 11 men behind the ball and hit us on the counter.

As you said nobody has beaten us at home yet doing that this season, but plenty of teams have picked up points by stinking the gaff out.

Burnley have only lost once since their defeat to Sunderland, since then which players have most impressed you?

As mentioned, the defence has been the standout. Every single player in that defence has been impressive.

Other than that it would have to be Josh Brownhill, he's been brilliant this season but he usually is when we're in the Championship.

Some Burnley fans can be critical of Josh, and I have been guilty of struggling to see where he fits into our new-look midfield earlier this season, however when spearheading that midfield three and not being forced to play deep like he has done before then he's absolutely superb.

Brownhill is Burnley's top scorer with nine goals and no striker has more than two for the club this season - is that an area that has let you down?

I think so yes, but we have had main striker Lyle Foster out for a long period of time and we're not the most creative team in the world.

There is a bit of a debate amongst Burnley fans at the minute about whether bringing a new striker in would be beneficial for us as some fans argue we're not creative enough so should be looking to bring more creative players in to play behind the front man - personally I'm just hoping Lyle gets a run in the team now without disruption, preferably as a 9 (Parker has hinted at playing him on the left recently).

Who would you say has been your biggest good surprise and also your most underwhelming player this season?

Biggest good surprise has to be CJ Egan-Riley, as mentioned earlier he's come into the side this season after a couple of loans and he's been brilliant - very closely followed by Josh Laurent who came in from Stoke for £500k so nobody was expecting anything at that price.

Most underwhelming would have to be Andreas Hountoundji, who we brought in during the summer - he hasn't looked up to speed and he has since been sent out on loan.

Both clubs have already made signings so far this January, which other areas are you looking to strengthen and who have you been linked with?

Despite what I said earlier about Lyle I still would like to see another striker come in - as we've discussed goals have been an issue and a part of that is down to Lyle's injury - and his injury record isn't great.

So even if it's just for another option if Lyle has another spell on the sidelines another body who can put the ball in the back of the net would be a big help.

How do you think Burnley will set up tactically to face Sunderland?

We won't change, we've been the same all season. 4-2-3-1 with (hopefully) a midfield three of Cullen in the holding role, Laurent dragging us up the pitch and Brownhill spearheading the midfield.

Are any players missing and who will Parker start?

Hannibal is suspended after a red card against Stoke City. We have a few long-term injuries but nothing that will disrupt the current team too much.

Trafford, Roberts, Egan-Riley, Esteve, Humphreys, Laurent, Cullen, Anthony, Brownhill, Sarmiento, Flemming. (4-2-3-1).

As this is a promotion six-pointer, I'd love to know which two teams you think will be promoted automatically, as well as a score prediction for tonight?

My automatic promotion candidates change every week, and I'd like to see what you look like with Le Fee and how everyone looks at the end of the transfer window in an ideal world. I had Sheffield United winning it before Christmas, now I'm thinking they'll finish fourth!

Some signings for anyone will change that though as all four starting 11's are decent.

However, as it stands I'm saying Leeds first and Burnley second. As for a prediction for tonight, I'm going 1-1.