Burnley’s return to the Premier League has been promising but there is still plenty of work to be done.
With half the season gone, Burnley are in with a good chance of securing a second consecutive season of top flight football for the first time since the start of the Premier League era. And here is HITC Sport’s closer look at how things have gone for the Clarets so far, and perhaps what they can still expect.
Start to the season
As mentioned, Sean Dyche’s men have made a bright start to the campaign and look to be in with a decent chance of staying up. They are currently 11th but it is difficult to imagine a Burnley fan not taking 17th as their final position if they were offered it right now.
Sean Dyche
Burnley manager Sean Dyche
Dyche continues to go under the radar, but the work that he has done at Turf Moor deserves to be classed as sensational. To take them up once was special, but to do it again at the first time of asking is something else. And he continues to gradually earn deserved respect with the job he is doing this season.
Team performance of the season so far
The 2-0 victory over Liverpool in just their second game of the campaign is arguably the most impressive. The Reds were coming off a dramatic victory over Arsenal, so the three points against Jurgen Klopp’s men was undoubtedly a major statement of intent.
Star player
Burnley’s Tom Heaton
Though Burnley have been impressive this season, their position would arguably be slightly more concerning had it not been for Tom Heaton. The 30-year-old has compiled a showreel of incredible saves from this campaign alone, and his form could be vital to their hopes of survival.
Where to strengthen in January
Only one team in the bottom half of the table has conceded fewer goals than Burnley this season, so the defence is arguably strong enough to get through the next few months. It may, therefore, make more sense for Dyche to target an attacking-minded player who can either play up front or just off the striker.
Likelihood of strengthening in January
Burnley’s Steven Defour
Burnley seem unlikely to be the biggest spenders during January, but it may perhaps not be a surprise to see Dyche target a marquee name in the same way he landed Steven Defour in the summer.
Challenges ahead
Reaching survival is surely the only thing that Dyche will be targeting, but it will undoubtedly be a massive challenge. One team scraping for their lives often puts a miraculous run together so the Clarets need to keep picking up points.
Predicted end of season position: 15th
There are some good teams below Burnley, including the current champions, so it may not be a surprise if Dyche’s men slide down the table. However, the team spirit should be enough to see them keep their heads above water.
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