SEAN Dyche will make changes to his starting line-up tonight when Burnley take on Sunderland in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

The tie, which takes place at Turf Moor tonight, will give the likes of Danny Drinkwater the chance to show the Clarets faithful what he can bring to the set-up.

“There will definitely be changes for the cup game, we want everyone active and alive and I believe in the players,” said Dyche.

“I am pretty sure we will put out a team that can attempt to win the game and I believe in the group.

“Everyone has a part to play. It is just about making sure everyone is getting some minutes around the group and staying connected to what the group has to offer over a season because it is a season’s work.”

The Burnley boss thinks this squad he now has at his disposal is the strongest one he’s had during his tenure at the club.

Dyche insists players will be getting a chance to stake a claim for the Premier League starting XI in tonight’s cup tie.

“It’s not just a chance to play. I’ve said I think it’s the most balanced and competitive group I’ve had here,” Dyche said.

“It’s not a guarantee. You could argue about other groups because I feel I’ve had some good ones here.

“But when I look at the rounded state of the squad - and the fact we have minimal injuries as well at the moment - I think they are players that are capable.

“So, I will certainly be changing the side. There’s no reason not to when you think of the quality of players that will come into the side.

“But there’s no other thought than winning the game – absolutely none.

“We want to win as many games as we can. We know the feeling from last year when it didn’t go our way and that’s not a good feeling that you want.”

One player who will definitely miss tonight’s match is Republic of Ireland international Robbie Brady as the midfielder continues his recovery after sustaining a hairline fracture to a rib.

“He’s probably not ready for Sunderland, but more out of common sense,” added Dyche.

“He hurt it again against Parma, got an elbow, and there’s that weird sod’s law, truly fit, twisting fit, knock fit, but we’ll play with it this week and probably edge on the side of caution unless he is absolutely telling us he is absolutely bang on.

“They have their jurisdiction as well, so that’s another week on, and I’d like to think he’d definitely be fit then, so there would have to be a judgement call.

“It’s a hairline fracture, which is a standard injury, it’s not touch and go like a hamstring, once it’s healed, it’s healed, if it’s clear.

“Drinky has every chance though.”