Clarets ready to tackle any challenge put in front of them at Craven Cottage - Dyche

Sean DycheSean Dyche
Sean Dyche
Sean Dyche is ready to expected the unexpected when the Clarets travel to Craven Cottage in hope of preserving top spot in the Championship tonight.

Since Slavisa Jokanovic stepped in to his role at Fulham in December the Serbian, who has previously played for Chelsea and coached Watford, has tinkered with his squad continuously to try and piece together his ideal XI.

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And that approach has certainly brought indifference with the Cottagers recording three wins, four draws and five defeats in the league with 17 goals scored and an identical number conceded.

However, Dyche confessed that his players have the capability of finding a way to overcome whatever challenge is put before them.

"It seems from the outside looking in that the new manager is finding it as well," said Dyche. "He’s looking to find the formation and the players that fit the formation that he likes.

"There has to be flexibility with our group.

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“I’ve come to be really pleased with this group because they do understand games beforehand but they also understand they can be flexed and adapted very quickly by the opposition."

Dyche added: "We work in a manner that we think we can operate against different opponents and tactical scenarios. We’ve done that all season and we’ve done well with it most of the time since I’ve been at the club. We still stick to what we do and then flex and change the smaller things.

"Whatever they offer we think we’ve got a way that can deal with it in order to play our game, to go and grip the game.

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"In the Championship you can have all different styles and you have to be ready to deliver whatever style is needed. I think we've done that well and we're going to have to keep doing that. With the Fulham game I'd be surprised if it was as blood and thunder as the game on Saturday.

“We go to win home and away. That’s our mentality and what will be on show again."

Tonight's fixture will pit the division's two most potent strikers against each other with Andre Gray and Ross McCormack netting 38 goals between them.

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However, with the hosts also armed with the likes of Moussa Dembele and Tom Cairney, Dyche declared that there is more to both teams than their leading scorers.

“They’re certainly up there amongst the best," he said.

“They’re two completely different types of player. Andre is still learning and developing and adapting his game to what we want and to what the game offers him as a player, and doing a very good job of it.

"Ross McCormack’s older and has been around a bit longer. He’s another good player, but I think there’s more to a team than just one player - there's certainly more to our team and I’m sure there’s more to Fulham’s team."

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Meanwhile, midfielder David Jones faces a late fitness test after being substituted with an Achilles injury in the derby victory against Blackburn Rovers at Turf Moor.

"David Jones came off with a niggly Achilles injury which has been a challenge for him over the last couple of weeks so we’re having that checked out," Dyche said.

"He’s touch and go as to whether he’ll be ready.

“Dean Marney on the other hand has had a good 10 days and is feeling clear and well so he comes back into the thinking, certainly the squad thinking.

“Jonah is probably the only question mark.

“Joey had a bit of a niggle the other day and got through it well. He’s older and knows his body well and is probably an easier decision in a way because I could ask him and make a decision on that."