Burnley v Stoke City: Blake keen to prove Clarets critics wrong

A victory would lift the team out of the relegation zone and give the players a welcome boost ahead of a further home game against fellow strugglers Wolves on Saturday.

Burnley have been written off already by many pundits and tipped for a quick return to the Coca-Cola Championship.

But Blake, 34, is adamant they can prove their critics wrong.

He said: "People are writing us off but there are 10 games to go. It is a bit harsh.

"We are not expected to stay in this league but we know we are good enough to do that.

"It's the teams in and around us who are under pressure. We have just got to believe in ourselves.

"We always create chances and score goals. We have good attacking players. That's what we have got to build on.

"It is a massive week. It is pivotal in the season. If we can get three points against Stoke it will set us up nicely for Wolves.

"We know we are good enough to turn teams over at home. We have got to attack them from the start. If we do that we will get the result we want."

Striker Steven Fletcher (broken hand) faces a late fitness test.