What Vincent Kompany said about Sunderland as Burnley boss provides injury update on Chelsea loanee

The Clarets are third in the Championship ahead of their trip to Wearside, following a 1-1 draw at Birmingham on Wednesday, their eighth draw of the season.

When asked about Sunderland’s start to the season, and that the Black Cats will once again be playing without a recognised striker due to injuries, Kompany said: “I think it’s been a little bit like everyones’, ups and downs, but again it’s a totally different style and team than what we faced maybe on Wednesday. It could be a good game for the fans.

“They are a little bit hit on both sides and are missing some centre-halves as well.

“You change your personnel but usually you don’t change your habits, and it’s for us to just focus on what we’ve been able to see and ourselves of course.”

Kompany played at the Stadium of Light for Manchester City before going into management, yet some of his players won’t have played in front of such a big crowd.

“I think there are a few players still who will probably experience this for the first time,” the Burnley boss added. “But I think as a player normally you rise to these occasions.

“I would like to think that most of our players would just like to be out on the pitch on a day like that.”

Burnley duo Jordan Beyer and Ian Maatsen, who is on loan from Chelsea, missed the Clarets’ game at Birmingham on Wednesday but could return to face Sunderland, or for Tuesday’s game against Norwich at Turf Moor.

“I think it’s going to be a last minute decision,” replied Kompany when asked if the pair will be available this weekend.

“The positive thing is they are really not big injuries or anything like that. They are just little setbacks.

“The calendar is so crowded and unfortunately two or three games can pass in the blink of an eye. Hopefully we’ll have them back if not for Saturday then for Tuesday.”