Albeit the Clarets possess just two victories in 15 fixtures so far this season, Burnley will arrive at the Amex with a chip on their shoulder, aiming to prove a point at the expense of Albion, writes Anujth Vijayakumar.

We assess the threats Vincent Kompany’s men bring to the table.

Under the former Manchester City skipper’s tutelage, Burnley structure themselves in a 4-4-2 system, in possession. Without the ball, against possession-based sides, Burnley deploy a deep and compact hybrid structure of 6-3-1 or 5-4-1.

Burnley’s system places a heavy emphasis on build-up from the first phase of defence and progressing through the middle of the park towards the second phase, with principles of counter pressing inculcated into their style of play as well.

It is evident that Kompany has attempted to instil the brand of football that was employed during his tenure with Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.

Following this, the onus rests on the midfield pivot to facilitate the ball to their wingers, who are adept at taking on their markers.

While Jacub Bruun Larrson, Zeki Amdouni and Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson have had rough starts to their Premier League campaigns, the Clarets forwards possess the directness and resilience to consistently have a go at their defenders.

With Dara O’Shea leading the backline, the defence constantly seek to exploit the flanks of opposition teams, by having their wingers run the channels on the outside of the full-backs.

This enables them to have direct access to the goal once they bypass them.

However, the most important aspect of their set-up revolves around the positioning, passing and movement of their full-backs.

Apart from being tasked with undertaking their traditional duties as a full-back, Charlie Taylor and Vitinho are instructed to create numerical superiorities in the final third for the Clarets by making darting overlapping runs, to create separation for their wingers.

The full-back pair are also capable of penetrating the opposition defence through their whipped-in crosses, which more often than not find their targets.

While first choice striker, Lyle Forster has taken an indefinite leave of absence to focus on his mental health, Jay Rodriguez’s late arrival into the team has provided a boost for the Burnley boss.

The veteran Premier League striker’s instincts and goal-scoring ability have seen the team obtain their largest win in the competition’s history at the expense of Sheffield United this past weekend.

Despite the new-found rhythm and fluidity under Kompany, Burnley have not abandoned the traditional style of play, which was heavily influenced by current Everton manager, Sean Dyche.

Kompany has retained the threat of long balls and crossfield passes over the top into his team’s style of play. A tactic that symbolises the football played by the Clarets.

Albion will have a decent task attempting to overcome the resilient and gritty Burnley side.

However, provided Roberto De Zerbi’s men can stake their claim early on in the game, the Seagulls will be able to navigate the remainder of the fixture with less complications.