While Burnley cannot be described as one of the most dominant teams in the Championship era right now, the Clarets are well on their way to an immediate return to the Premier League.
Last week’s comeback victory over West Bromwich Albion was their 18th league win in 28 matches, and more dropped points from the teams below them has provided them with an 18-point cushion.
Vincent Kompany will certainly not be getting complacent, particularly with Sheffield United continuing to challenge his side for the league title, but the Belgian can afford to name as strong a team as he wants given their current cushion.
Although there was marginal rotation for the third-round tie at Premier League outfit Bournemouth, Burnley were able to come through with a 4-2 victory on the South coast.
That represents one of 10 wins during an 11-match period in all competitions, their only defeat during that time coming at Manchester United in the EFL Cup.
As far as Ipswich are concerned, they may have preferred fewer distractions given their efforts to earn promotion to the Championship at the end of the season.
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Nevertheless, their 4-1 victory over Rotherham United in the previous round was a statement result, their only success during a five-game period with draws and defeats coming either side.
A four-match winless streak in the third tier has resulted in Kieran McKenna’s side losing ground in the race for the top two, Sheffield Wednesday now four points ahead while possessing a fixture in hand.
That left beating Morecambe at Portman Road last weekend as imperative, with the Tractor Boys delivering in a comprehensive 4-0 victory over one of the division’s strugglers.
