BURNLEY manager Owen Coyle believes increased competition for places will be instrumental to their survival bid.

Chris Eagles comes into contention for his first start of the season when the Clarets entertain Wigan Athletic this afternoon (kick-off 3pm), after coming off the bench to score in last weekend’s 3-2 defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

Although he has yet to start, the defeat at Chelsea in August is the only league or cup clash the former Manchester United winger has not featured in so far this season.

But the 23-year-old is among a host of players looking to make their mark on a line-up that, with eight ever-presents, has been relatively settled. And Coyle, who already has three long-term injury victims with Chris McCann, Martin Paterson and Jay Rodriguez all sidelines, knows those options will prove vital as the season wears on.

“Ultimately we go from game to game trying to pick the best team to serve us well and earn us points in this Premier League, and (today) is no different,” he said.

“Whether players do get on or they don’t they’re always in our thoughts. Players always come into contention every week and we will decide on the best team and best formation and look to get those maximum points.

“Chris Eagles, Kevin McDonald, Steven Thompson did themselves no harm when they came on (against Blackburn). There are a host of players there - Joey Gudjonsson too - who can step in at any given time.”

Although the Clarets boast a perfect home record, Coyle may look to shake things up in light of last Sunday’s derby defeat at Ewood Park. However, he is delighted to have avoided an enforced change with Wade Elliott escaping a Football Association ban following an incident with Blackburn defender Pascal Chimbonda.

But he expressed his disappointment that his player had come under the microscope following a tussle with the Guadeloupe international.

"I don't know what it came under the microscope for because nobody was in touch with me. The only thing I read about it was a newspaper report. But it happened, and when you look back on the incident there was nothing in it,” said the Scot.

"He and Chimbonda had clashed and Wade's left leg was trapped, he was trying to get to his feet. If people want to construe that as being a big naughty then I'm sorry but I can't see that. And anybody who knows Wade Elliott - you only need to look at his record, it's exemplary.

"It (the FA investigation) was a little bit disappointing but it's happened and we move on.”

Now, as Burnley bid to extend their 100 per cent home record with a fifth straight win, Coyle is urging fans to raise the roof this afternoon and banish any lingering derby blues.

“We have to focus on what’s in front of us,” he said. “We need the fans to come along and make sure we are raising the noise levels.

“When the fans are at it and the players are at it, it’s a sight to behold when we bring it altogether and that’s what we have to do. When that atmosphere’s there it’s conducive to a real footballing environment.

“It’s the way we like it and I’m pretty sure the players will be doing their utmost to reward the fans for the backing they get.”