Burnley v Leeds United: Big match preview

Key battle - Joey Barton v Lewis Cook

There are 14 years between them in age but Barton has shown this season that he’s more than good enough for the standards of the Championship. In his own way he’s been as big a signing for Burnley as Andre Gray and he’s taken a lot of credit for underpinning the Clarets’ consistent level of performance. A 19-year-old like Cook will not find a better challenge in this league.

Key man - Andre Gray

Expect him to be named Championship player of the year when the season ends. Burnley took their time in signing him but their investment has been worth every penny and it has not been much of a surprise to find that Gray’s excellent form for Brentford last year was a true example of his talent. He has 21 league goals this season - four more than Leeds as a team have scored at home - and he is deadly in the box.

Last time at Turf Moor:

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Burnley 2 Leeds United 1

Goals: Burnley - Pearce 38(og), Arfield 67. Leeds - McCormack 27.

Phil Hay’s Verdict:

On paper this goes down as the hardest fixture of the season - and not only because of Burnley’s position at the top of the Championship or their exceptional home record. They are strong at the back and solid in midfield, with pace to burn out wide and up front. Leeds usually struggle in the face of those attributes and it’s not a surprise to see Evans’ side out at 5/1 ahead of tomorrow’s game. That reflects the most likely outcome.

Match Odds:

Home win - 8/13

Draw - 16/5

Away win - 5/1