Burnley play host to Reading on Saturday afternoon knowing that victory will ensure that they remain top of the Championship standings by the end of the weekend.
However, eighth-placed Reading trail the Clarets by just seven points with a game in hand, the visitors having a chance to move themselves back into contention after an inconsistent run.
Match preview
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Earlier this week, there was brief talk of Vincent Kompany being in contention for the Aston Villa job, but it soon became apparent that the Belgian would not be leaving one team who plays in claret for another.
Kompany is invested in the project at Turf Moor, and everything points to his way of thinking working at Turf Moor in the long term with Burnley now 14 matches unbeaten in the Championship.
Although it took a Jay Rodriguez penalty to secure all three points against Norwich City on Tuesday evening, the scoreline did not do Burnley's performance justice as they outclassed opponents who may still rival them for automatic promotion.
For now, Kompany will not pay too much attention to the table, but continuing to accumulating points and build an imposing goal difference only increases pressure on the chasing pack.
There is also no threat of any complacency setting in, with the North West outfit just six points clear of sixth-placed Millwall, who possess a game in hand, and marginally ahead of their upcoming opponents who are in a similar position.
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Reading have dropped off after their remarkable start to the campaign, given the circumstances, but a 2-0 triumph over Bristol City last time out has ensured that they are right back on track.
As well as keeping just their second clean sheet in 10 outings, Andy Carroll got himself on the scoresheet as he continues to prove his fitness at the Royals.
Paul Ince knows that Reading remain outsiders to finish in the playoffs, but every win that they collect is an extra step towards being able to throw caution to the wind later in the season when there is greater expectations at their rivals.
One aspect of their game which must improve, however, is their away record, with five defeats coming from their seven games on the road during 2022-23.
Team News
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Having collected his fifth yellow card of the season against Norwich in midweek, Burnley midfielder Jack Cork will sit out this contest through suspension.
With Josh Cullen and Ashley Westwood expected to be sidelined through injury, Samuel Bastien should come into the team for his fifth Championship start of the season.
Connor Roberts and Benson Manuel are both in contention for recalls if Kompany opts to introduce some fresh legs into his team.
While Andy Yiadom is available for Reading after a ban, it remains to be seen whether Ince will want to change a winning team who kept a rare clean sheet.
Should an alteration occur, Yiadom would slot in on the right-hand side of a back three, with Amadou Salif Mbengue moving to wing-back.
Carroll will feel that he is in line for a recall after scoring as a substitute last time out.
Burnley possible starting lineup:
Muric; Vitinho, Harwood-Bellis, Beyer, Maatsen; Brownhill, Bastien; Gudmundsson, Tella, Zaroury; Rodriguez
Reading possible starting lineup:
Lumley; Mbengue, Holmes, McIntyre; Hoilett, Ince, Loum, Hendrick, Rahman; Joao, Carroll
We say: Burnley 2-0 Reading
Having ended their recent losing streak, Reading will travel to the North-West with the belief that they can cause a surprise. Nevertheless, we are backing Burnley to continue along their merry way, potentially with a goal in either half.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
