A bit of reading for you over the Christmas period as Burnley take on Everton at Turf Moor in the Boxing Day round of fixtures. 

The Clarets haven't played a single league game since the 0-0 draw with West Ham on 11th December due to late cancellations of their fixtures against Watford and Aston Villa. 

As for Everton, they come off the back of their excellent point on the road at Stamford Bridge as they took a well earned point off of Chelsea. 

This fixture seems to be popular during the festive period in the last few years with the two sides meeting each other on Boxing Day in two of the last three seasons with Everton winning both games. 

The Clarets will be looking to seek revenge from the 3-1 defeat at Goodison Park back in September. 

  • Team News 

Burnley fans look away now. Maxwel Cornet, who has been somewhat of a saviour for Burnley this season, looks set to miss out again due to a thigh problem. 

The Ivorian may not play again for Burnley this year as he is due to join up with the Ivory Coast National Team ahead of their African Cup of Nations campaign which starts on 9th January. 

Ashley Barnes is not quite ready for Burnley either but the striker is making good progress on his return from injury. 

Connor Roberts is also an absentee for The Clarets due to illness but other than that Sean Dyche has a full squad for selection. 

Rafa Benitez has been quite vocal in recent days about his thoughts about postponing the fixture. 

The Everton manager has six players out through injury and also five players absent due to testing positive for Covid-19. 

However, there is some good news for Benitez as he may be able to welcome back Dominic Calvert-Lewin from two months out through injury although his match fitness could be lacking. 

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Lucas Digne is one first team player who is available for Rafa Benitez and will be looking to make a statement to his manager. 

  • Players to watch 

Burnley - Matej VydraThis could be a huge game for Matej Vydra with fixtures ahead. With Maxwel Cornet's departure to AFCON edging ever so nearer it could be time for Vydra to step up alongside Chris Wood. Although not certain that he will start, that second striker role is up for grabs and Vydra could be a prime candidate after previous good performances with Wood leading the line. 

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Everton - Lucas Digne - This is one Everton player who will be looking to make a statement. With many first team regulars set to be missing for The Toffees, Digne needs to step up and be a key figure. The former Barcelona full back has been out of favour under Benitez but with Everton's squad dilemma, Digne could enjoy attacking down Everton's left alongside young Anthony Gordon. 

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  • Predicted Lineups

Burnley - Pope, Lowton, Mee, Tarkowski, Taylor, Gudmundsson, Cork, Westwood, McNeil, Vydra, Wood 

Everton - Pickford, Kenny, Keane, Godfrey, Digne, Iwobi, Doucoure, Gomes, Allan, Gordon, Calvert-Lewin -  This is hard to predict due to uncertainty of player availability! 

  • Previous Encounters 

The two sides have already met once this season in the Premier League as Everton came from behind to defeat The Clarets 3-1 at Goodison Park in September. 

The two sides have met recently on Boxing Day as mentioned prior with Everton coming out in the last two encounters. A 1-0 victory in Carlo Ancelotti's first game in 2019 was the most recent as well as a 5-1 victory for The Toffees at Turf Moor in 2018. 

  • Prediction 

With some uncertainty to whether this game is going to go ahead due to the Everton squad dilemma is tough to judge. This won't deter the fact that Burnley will fancy their chances against a young Everton side. Could you say a must win for Burnley, it certainly feels like it. 

Prediction - Burnley 2-1 Everton

Unfortunately the game is not being broadcasted in The UK but highlights will be available on Match of the Day at 10:40pm on BBC One.