Accrington (4-4-2) Petkovic Cavanagh Halford Jagielka Howson James Cook Craney Prendergast McEvilly Mullin | Burnley (4-4-2) Jensen Roche McGreal Townsend Camara O'Neill Chaplow Grant Branch Moore Blake |
With Jamie Speare and Jon Kennedy both leaving the club John Coleman's Stanley have got a goalkeeping crisis but it looks likely that Jason Petkovic will be in goal for Accrington if he arrives in Britain on time. New defenders Howson and Jagielka are also set to start the game for the Reds.
The midfield is also unpredictable with so many players pushing for places. New Signing Paul Carvill looks likely to miss out on a starting place with Rory Prendergast set to occupy the left wing from the start although Carvill may be played for the last few minutes of the game.
If Lutel James is played on the right wing, as he was for the majority of last season, Lee McEvilly will be given a place in attack with Ian Craney in the centre of midfield. Should James be upfront, Craney would play on the right with McEvilly in the centre.
Paul Mullin is an obvious choice for attack while Damian Hindle is set to play a part against his previous club.
The Burnley line-up is somewhat easier to predict with the Clarets occupying the smallest squad in the Football League.
Danish Brian Jensen is their only ‘keeper at the moment but having been given number 12 a new keeper is expected at Turf Moor but Jensen is almost certain to start against Stanley.
Former Manchester United youngster Lee Roche will play on the right of defence with the opposite fullback space being filled by Mo Camara. The first centre-back role will be given to the Clarets' new singing from Ipswich, John McGreal. Burnley have recently signed centre-back Mike Duff from Cheltenham Town but he will not feature in the game with youngster Ryan Townsend making his first ever start.
Mathew O'Neill should fill the void on the right of midfield left by Glen Little while Graham Branch will play in the left. Tony Grant and England Under 21 international Richard Chaplow will play in the middle of a midfield four.
23 goal Robbie Blake will partner Ian Moore Upfront in Steve Cottrill's first game as manager.