Ipswich 1st Up at Turf

The Clarets will be looking to get the first three points of their 2008-9 campaign on the board in their second Championship game of the season and their first at Turf Moor.

The terribly disappointing start last week away to Sheffield Wednesday with the Clarets losing 4-1 was a shocker that has only temporarily been forgotten following the Clarets 2-0 midweek victory against League 2 side, Bury at Gigg Lane in the Carling Cup.

Back to reality now though as we once more face Championship opposition with the visitors, Ipswich also keen to get their first points on the table following a 2-1 home defeat against Preston last Saturday.

The Tractor Boys though will have also been buoyed by midweek Carling Cup success after defeating, Leyton Orient 4-1 at Portman Road.

Our first home game, looks set for another carnival atmosphere with news that the Red Devils display team will be parachuting down onto the pitch with the match ball before kick-off!

That though will not be one of the most important thoughts at the back of the Clarets fans minds; more the desire to ensure we get our first win on the table without any cock ups in our defence.

At least against Bury our defence held up with a much better performance compared to the disaster that was Hillsborough and the good news too is that Clarke Carlisle returns following a two match ban after his red card picked up at the end of last season in our last game of 2007-8 against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

It is so important we win this match otherwise doubts could creep in, both in the team and certainly in the minds of Clarets fans. If we lose, the demands to sort out some new signings before the summer transfer window closes at the end of August will only grow in intensity and Owen Coyle will come under increasing pressure by the fickle Clarets fans to demonstrate that he can lead a Championship side to greater glory and prove he is not out of his depth.

As stated above Clarke Carlisle could return to bolster the defence and he is expected to be named in Burnley's starting line-up.

"For me, it`s a terrific boost to have Clarke back,' said Coyle.
'I think when he`s focussed and at it, then I really believe he`s as good a centre back as you`ll get in the Championship,"

One dilemma facing Coyle is which keeper to choose. Penny, let in four goals last Saturday mainly down to the poor defending by the back four and no blame could probably be laid at his door.

However, Brian Jensen was named in the starting eleven against Bury and once more put in a creditable performance as he did in the pre-season games.

Jensen continually seems to have the knack of seeing off challenges by keepers given the Number One shirt. Danny Coyne, Gabor Kiraly and now possibly Diego Penny are all beginning to see the fighting spirit that 'The Beast` is capable of!

I think Coyle will select Penny though and thus give him another chance this time on home soil but it`s likely to be a close call.

There is no news of any injuries, so only Bes Berisha in the squad out on loan to Rosenborg is unavailable for selection.

A possible line up therefore could be as follows:

Penny, Duff, Carlisle, Caldwell, Kalvenes, Van der Schaaf, Elliott, McCann, McDonald, Blake, Paterson

Subs: Jensen, Jordan, Alexander, Gudjonsson (or Mahon), Akinbiyi

Owen Coyle seems to have a full squad to choose from with the exception of Bes Berisha, currently on loan to Rosenborg .

Clarke Carlisle is in contention following a two match ban and looks likely to play.

Martin Paterson seems to be scoring for fun, so let`s hope he continues!

Ipswich gaffer, Jim Magilton could hand a debut to new signing Ben Thatcher. The 32-year-old defender was a free agent after leaving Charlton at the end of last season. He was on trial with Ipswich during a pre-season tour in Belfast and has obviously impressed!

Blues winger Danny Haynes could also start up front after impressing against Leyton Orient, but David Wright (ankle) and David Norris (heel) are sidelined.

The big question is whether new signing Ivan Campo will feature. The former Real Madrid and Bolton player signed a two-year contract last week after passing a medical.

The 34-year-old, former Spanish International can play in defence or midfield. However, he looks unlikley to play against the Clarets due to lack of match fitness

Kevin Lisbie, a close season signing from Colchester could well be the danger man for the Clarets

An eventful 2-2 draw at Turf Moor back in October 2007, saw the Clarets recover from an early 2-0 deficit with goals by Gray and Lafferty, both no longer with the club, sealing a point for former gaffer, Steve Cotterill.

They were however somewhat lucky that a goal by Counago was ruled offside.

The Clarets then fought out a 0-0 draw at Portman Road under new gaffer, Owen Coyle in December 2007.

Tony Bates

Well we have to win, so I am going for 2-1!

Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday 23rd August @ 3pm

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