Burnley vs Tottenham Hotspur. Premier League.
Turf MoorAttendance21,338.
Watch live on Sky Sports Premier League from 11.30am on Saturday
Saturday 23 February 2019 11:12, UK
Tottenham could lay down a massive marker if they can beat Burnley this weekend as, with Liverpool not in action until Sunday afternoon and Manchester City in Carabao Cup final action, the gap at the top of the Premier League could be cut to two points.
It is not going to be easy against the Clarets, who are unbeaten in seven games and almost held Mauricio Pochettino's men to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture in December, before Christian Eriksen struck in added time.
"Like always, we're going to find a very aggressive team," Pochettino said. "That's the key - to match their aggression and then find our way to play.
"It's going to be tough. We struggled to beat them in December, we struggled to break them down and now they're in a better period.
"We're confident in ourselves but we know very well it's going to be tough to beat them."
Meanwhile, Sean Dyche hopes Burnley can show why they are on their best ever Premier League unbeaten run on Saturday.
The Clarets have not lost in the league since a 5-1 hammering by Everton on Boxing Day that is beginning to look like a clear turning point in their season.
They remain only three points above the relegation zone, but their seven unbeaten matches include a draw with Manchester United and, in their last game two weeks ago, a 3-1 victory on the south coast over Brighton.
"Over that run we've confirmed we're in a better place," said boss Dyche. "You don't run away with yourself because it can change quickly but it's fair to say we've changed on the positive side and the players deserve a lot of credit because it's not easy.
"We've been heavily questioned this season, myself and the team, and to come out of that with a good run of performances and results is very pleasing. We've got to continue in that vein."
Burnley should have Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Robbie Brady back after injury, but midfielder Steven Defour remains on the sidelines and will see a specialist to try to solve his persistent calf problems.
The Belgian midfielder returned to the side in September having been out for nine months with a knee injury, but has managed only eight appearances since.
Winger Aaron Lennon remains sidelined by a knee injury suffered in the away match against his former club Spurs in December, but is making good progress.
Meanwhile, Pochettino will be the one who has the final say on whether Harry Kane will play at Turf Moor.
Kane is back in training following an ankle injury which has kept him out of his club's last seven games and could return on Saturday lunchtime.
That leaves only Dele Alli in the Spurs treatment room as the England international continues to recover from a hamstring injury, while Danny Rose will be assessed as he has been laid low with illness.
Tottenham could get back in the title race if they win this game and Liverpool don't beat Manchester United.
If Liverpool beat United, then I don't think Spurs are in it - I think it's too many points - but if they win this and Liverpool don't win, then they are in it because they still have to play Liverpool.
I don't think Burnley will go down. They have enough know-how, they are on a good run and they are hard to beat. However, I fancy Spurs to win this game.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-3 (12/1 with Sky Bet)
