Burnley Season Preview - Lack of investment could hurt Clarets

Burnley very much exceeded expectations to secure seventh in the Premier League last season. They batted away any suggestions of relegation with a number of mature performances to secure a Europa League berth, but with an early start to their season, the Clarets could find it hard to balance European and domestic commitments, provided they navigate Aberdeen and beyond, given their limited squad. Nevertheless, Sean Dyche will have the backing of the club after last season’s exploits. 

One to Watch - Chris Wood 

Despite missing a substantial chunk of the season through injury, Chris Wood still returned 10 goals and one assist for Burnley last term, and Dyche will hope to have the New Zealand international fit for the duration of the campaign. When firing on all cylinders, the 26-year-old is a handful for any defence and Burnley will again be banking on Wood to steer clear of injuries to impress in the coming campaign.  

Best Signing - Erm… 

Well this is awkward. At the time of writing, Burnley are yet to make a signing this summer, while their most recent contract extension came courtesy of Johan Berg Gudmundsson, who put pen to paper on a new deal back in May. The Clarets have been linked with the likes of Peter Crouch and Craig Dawson, but there are yet to be any new arrivals at Turf Moor. It’s cause for concern coming into the new campaign given Burnley’s limited squad and it could hinder the Clarets. The returns of Steven Defour and Robbie Brady, though, will boost Burnley.

Area of Weakness 

It may be hard to believe, but Burnley could do with strengthening between the sticks. Tom Heaton is struggling to shake off a hamstring problem coming into the campaign that forced him to miss the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen, while Anders Lindegaard has a hamstring problem. Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder in the stalemate, which leaves the Clarets short as the last line of defence coming into the campaign. They’ve been linked with an emergency loan move for Fraser Forster, but the absence of their three senior goalkeepers is a concern. 

Prediction / Best Bet 

Despite enduring a 13-match winless run, Burnley still finished 7th with 54 points. They deserve praise for enjoying such a fine campaign, however, they finished just 10 points above the bottom half of the table. Had those below them strung together a decent run of form, Dyche’s side could well have finished lower in the league. Given the lack of investment so far, and with those around them strengthening, it could prove a long, tough campaign for the Clarets. Indeed, Burnley to finish in the bottom half at 1.36 with Bet365 may not be the most tantalising of prices, but if they progress to the group stages of the Europa League, they may struggle between now and Christmas.