By Turftalker
August 30 2004

Here it is - the 2004/05 season is about to begin and Steve Cotterill's Claret and Blue army are hoping to have a good season and surprise the bookies! Read on for our preview of the opening match against Sheffield United at Turf Moor.

Burnley Vs. Sheffield Utd

(Preview)

Venue: Turf Moor

Kick Off: 15:00

Referee: Phil Joslin

Team News:

Burnley:

The clarets look likely to give debuts to all their summer signings. A new defence for the clarets, they must surely be hoping to cut the number of goals conceded. If Robbie Blake, fresh from being made Captain can score another 20 this season the clarets may be the surprise force!

Here is our team prediction:

Coyne

Duff ~ Sinclair ~ McGreal ~ Camara

Chaplow ~ Grant ~ Hyde

Moore Branch

Blake (c)

Subs: Jensen, Roche, O'Neill, Townsend, Scott or Pilkington

Sheffield United:

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock is quietly confident that his team can finish in the play offs this season. After making seven signings who would bet against them? Jack Lester, Rob Kozluk, Steve Kabba and Chris Armstrong are out.

Expect them to give debuts to: Andy Liddell, Barry Hayles, Jon Harley, Alan Quinn, Leigh Bromby and Phil Thirlwell.

Manager Comments:

Steve Cotterill cannot wait for the competitive start of his Turf Moor reign. He told the official website: "I don't quite know what to expect, it's a new team with new players.

He expects Sheffield United to be tough opponents: "They are a good side, they have a big squad, some good players and a manager that knows his way around the division, so it will be a tough game for us but a good one and one we're looking forward to."

Neil Warnock was just happy to get the proper games started. He admitted he was disappointed with the Blades last performance at Turf Moor. He also added that he once tried to sign Cotterill! "A couple of years ago he was going to be the one of the brightest young managers in the country and maybe things happened too quickly for him but I think he is in the right place to try and make things work."

Enjoy the match and join us for post-match comments.

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