Season Preview: Can Dyche again guarantee Burnley's top-flight safety?
Previous season
Burnley avoided relegation by a solid six points, with Turf Moor a fortress at the best of times for Sean Dyche’s side. Of the 40 points the Clarets earned, 33 were won in front of their own fans as they ensured teams faced a tough trip to Burnley. Indeed, they lost only six home games all season, three of which came in the final five matches of the campaign when safety seemed a foregone conclusion. However, the less said about their away form, the better. Only relegated Hull (6) earned fewer points on the road than Burnley (7) and they were one of three teams to win just one away match all season.
An away day meeting with defending champions Chelsea isn’t how Dyche will have wanted to start the season, especially after their 3-0 loss at Stamford Bridge last August. Provided Burnley can maintain their excellent home form and add consistency on the road, then they may avoid talk of safety come May.
Transfer summary
Dyche has gone about adding Premier League experience to the squad, which is a necessity in their second season following their return to the top flight 12 months ago. Jack Cork is a solid pickup from Swansea to replace Joey Barton and eases pressure on the ageing Dean Marney. Jonathan Walters and Phil Bardsley, who have joined from Stoke, improve the club’s options in the attacking and defensive third, while 23-year-old Charlie Taylor is a handy arrival from Leeds. However, despite their dipping into the market, Burnley are yet to replace defensive lynchpin Michael Keane at the heart of the backline following his move to Everton. The England international’s switch to Goodison Park is a blow for the Clarets and they need a new centre-back before the close of the transfer window, while a hunt for a new striker in the wake of Andre Gray's impending move to Watford is a necessity.
One to watch - Robbie Brady
After his club-record arrival from Norwich back in January, Robbie Brady made just seven league starts for Burnley between his switch and the end of the season. Dyche had a relatively settled squad and it’s tough for any January capture to make an immediate impact. George Boyd’s move to Sheffield Wednesday coupled with the uncertainty over Steven Defour’s future at the club means the Republic of Ireland international has a key role to play on the wing for Burnley in the coming campaign.
Predicted finish - 18th
While Burnley were superb at home, the end of season blip at Turf Moor suggests the Clarets may well have been found out in front of their own fans. If their away form doesn’t improve, then it could be a long, hard season for Dyche’s side that may well culminate in a return to the Championship.
