Wolverhampton Wanderers make the trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley looking for another three points to strengthen their hold of sixth place in the Premier League standings.
However, Burnley play host to the West Midlands outfit knowing that victory would move the club to within two points of their next opponents with two matches remaining.
While Wolves' convincing win over Everton was as much down to the lack of intent from their opponents than anything else, it was a result desperately required after two ineffective performances against Arsenal and Sheffield United respectively.
In the aftermath of the defeat to the latter, Nuno Espirito Santo received widespread criticism for his lack of substitutions and suggestions that not enough chances were being handed to his squad members.
However, the three players which came into the team against the Toffees - Leander Dendoncker, Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence - all provided a goal or assist on Sunday afternoon, leaving fans and general critics to praise Nuno for
his change of approach.
Nevertheless, with teams as low as 10th place still in the picture, the win represents just one of four which will be required to guarantee European football next season.
Having performed so poorly against two of their direct rivals over the past 10 days, there is an argument that squaring off against Burnley on Wednesday is coming at the wrong time.
While Sean Dyche seemed on the brink of a departure earlier in the campaign, he has inspired a quite stunning upturn in results, the latest of which came at Anfield on Saturday.
Although Burnley found themselves under pressure for much of that contest, claiming a share of the spoils ended Liverpool's perfect Premier League home record, as well as extending their own unbeaten streak to five matches.
The North-West outfit still have plenty of work to do, but performing so efficiently at both ends of the pitch will fill even the most pessimistic of Burnley supporters with confidence heading into this contest.
With Norwich City and Brighton & Hove Albion to follow this game, claiming maximum points on Wednesday could be the difference between qualifying for Europe or having to settle for a top-half finish.
Previous Meetings
25th August 2019 – Wolves 1-1 Burnley – Premier League
30th March 2019 – Burnley 2-0 Wolves – Premier League
16th September 2018 – Wolves 1-0 Burnley Premier League
Wolves have typically dominated this fixture, mainly down to their brilliant sides of the fifties, with 66 wins to Burnley’s 38.
Team News
Having limped off with what appeared to be a knee injury against Everton, Neto is not expected to be involved on Wednesday night.
Joao Moutinho is likely to come into the side as his replacement, with one of Diogo Jota, Podence or Adama Traore partnering Raul Jimenez in attack.
Although Jonny suffered with cramp during the closing stages versus the Toffees, the left wing-back should take his place in the team.
Burnley boss Dyche could name an unchanged side for this contest, sticking with Erik Pieters in an unfamiliar right midfield role.
Prediction
Despite Wolves' return to form at the weekend, I’m backing Burnley to emerge victorious in this contest. Dyche's side are well equipped to handle Wolves' attacking threat, as well as providing a threat at the other end of the pitch.
Score Prediction: Burnley 2-1 Wolves
Match Preview written by Owen Lloyd
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