With Burnley securing their highest league finish since the 1975/76 season, they will want to push on after becoming an established Premier League club as they prepare for their third consecutive season in the top flight.
Burnley Season Preview
Last Time Out
As Sean Dyche’s side remarkably finished 7th last season, ahead of big spenders Everton and former Premier League champions Leicester City, it means they will enjoy European football with a second-round qualifier with Aberdeen being their first test on July 26. If the Clarets were to progress to the group stages, it could have a big impact on their Premier League season, as the Thursday-Sunday routine has affected many teams in the past. The busy schedule proves too much as players physically and mentally become drained which become clear in the results they produce.
Sean Dyche will know full well about this and will have a plan in place to deal with the tough period, but with no signings being made so far, are Burnley at risk of finding themselves battling relegation once again?
Manager – Sean Dyche
Dyche is one of the most well respected and sought after managers in the league. He has worked wonders with a Burnley side which he took over in 2012. Taking over with little to no funds, the former Chesterfield captain has helped the Clarets become an established Premier League side with many ex-pros singing his praises.
With a traditional approach to management, Dyche ensures his sides provide nothing less than maximum effort and concentration. The Kettering-born man sets his teams up to be hard to break down, which has shown as the Clarets only conceded 39 goals in the league last term, picking up points at Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge, Anfield and Wembley.
The 47-year-old has not only created a brilliant team, but also good individuals, as Burnley have seen five players grace the national team in the last three seasons. Keiran Trippier and Danny Ings have also gone on to make the national team shortly after moves to Tottenham and Liverpool.
Dyche’s man-management has been highlighted as one of his key assets, as the cohesion amongst the squad always seems to be positive. With a number of signings needed as the season draws near, the Englishman may need to take advantage of this to bring in some extra competition for the squad.
Key Player
With a slow start to life at Turf Moor, after the winger signed for £13 million in the January window in 2017, Robbie Brady really kicked on last season before his major injury ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
Being a major part of the Clarets’ quick start to the season last time out, the Republic of Ireland international quickly became a fan favourite before his hard-hit injury in December which then saw Burnley go 12 games without a win.
The fast winger uses his fantastic dribbling skills to take on opponents before unleashing pin-point shots, as he showed through his strike against Bournemouth at The Vitality Stadium before his injury. He also is a dead ball specialist with a stunning free kick on his debut at Turf Moor.
Brady is back to full fitness and training with the players over in Ireland where Burnley have spent a few days on a training camp. The former club-record signing will look to get the season going with a bang and look to help the Clarets push on in the Europa League.
Predicted Finish: 13th
Depending on whether the Clarets reach the group stages of the Europa League or not, will decide on how they finish in the Premier League. With a predicted slow start to the season, Burnley should evolve as the season progresses with hopeful new signings gelling with the side, and current players letting their experience show.
If the Lancashire club were to finish just below mid-table with a European adventure included then the fans would be more than happy. Burnley’s experienced side should see them safe from relegation for another year, as long they are able to hold on to the man of the town and the “proudest man in proudsville” Mr Dyche.
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