Burnley have scored just three times in the Premier League this season and their lack of threat going forward is a big problem for Sean Dyche.
The Clarets have failed to score in six of their last seven games in all competitions. They are yet to win in the league this term and find themselves in the bottom three.
While Dyche’s men are known for their defensive resilience, they must improve in the final third if they are to maintain their top-flight status.
Chris Wood scored 14 times last season, his best return since joining from Leeds United back in 2017. However, the New Zealander has found the net just once this term, against former club Leicester City.
Ashley Barnes came straight back into the side after a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a hernia operation. Wood and Barnes have been a dangerous partnership in recent years but recent performances suggest they are low on confidence.
Many supporters feel local lad Jay Rodriguez is unlucky to be on the bench after his form in the second half of last season. The former Southampton man scored 11 goals last term after returning to his hometown club in a £5 million move.
Matej Vydra is also an option if Dyche wants to shake things up. The Czech Republic international is pacy and offers something different to his strike partners at Turf Moor, but has had to be patient during his time in East Lancashire.
But Burnley’s issues in the final third might be more serious than just a couple of forwards in poor form. The Clarets are averaging 0.85 big chances per game compared to 2.1 last term.
Dwight McNeil has been brilliant since breaking into the first team in 2018 and is their main source of creativity. However, opposing teams are starting to double up on the tricky winger which is limiting his output.
Dyche’s men have a tough run of games coming up, starting with a difficult home fixture against an in-form Crystal Palace side on Monday evening. The Burnley boss must decide whether to stick with Barnes and Wood or give Rodriguez and Vydra a chance to shine.