5 key games in Burnley’s packed festive schedule
10th December 2016 - Premier League - Burnley v Bournemouth - George Boyd of Burnley celebrates after scoring their 3rd goal - Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
Well Sean Dyche and his men are into what looks a decisive December for the Clarets.
After three losses on the spin, the Clarets secured a timely win in the Eddie Howe derby on Saturday.
Burnley now get a chance to build on the impressive 17 points they have in the bank, and if you’re going off an average of a point a game will save the Clarets from the drop, Burnley are two points ahead of schedule.
Not bad for a team heavily tipped for a return to the Championship.
Home games against Middlesbrough and Sunderland come with ‘six pointer’ hanging around their necks, whilst away fixtures at West Ham United, Tottenham and Manchester City complete the Christmas pile up.
So what is the minimum number of points Dyche’s side need from their next five fixtures?
Crucial games against rivals and testing visits to some top sides, Shoot!‘s Jordan Neary takes a look…
West Ham United v Burnley – December 14
Under the lights at the Olympic Stadium, Burnley put their emphasis on attack.
The form Slaven Billic’s side are in, the Clarets set out for goals. The biggest conundrum is whether to go with one striker or two.
If Dyche opts for 4-4-2, as he did at Old Trafford, Burnley will line up with Andre Gray partnering Sam Vokes up front to test the shaky Hammers rear-guard.
The Hammers fans, who have been decidedly edgy all season, get on the home side’s back early doors as the Clarets start well.
Burnley take the lead for the first time away this season, but can’t shake off their poor away record and are pegged back.
A point away from home is good enough for Burnley, even if they do leave slightly disappointed not to pick up a first away win.
Predicted Score: 1-1
Realistic Target: 1 point
Expected Target: 1 point
Tottenham v Burnley – December 18
Photo: Mark Leech / Offside.
Nobody said the Premier League was going to be easy and that is how it’s proving.
The Clarets pitch up for their final ever league visit to White Hart Lane. Sean Dyche reverts back to 4-5-1 to try to deny and frustrate a solid and dangerous Spurs side, who are especially rampant on home soil.
What to expect? The Clarets defence to see wave after wave of Spurs attack, with James Tarkowski making an appearance at some point to either hold what the Clarets have or limit any further damage.
However, Burnley are waving the white flag before half-time as they go 2-0 down.
An improved second-half display see’s the Clarets limit the hosts, but they leave the capital with nothing.
Burnley end the year still looking for an away win and some kind of formula on the road.
Predicted Score: 3-0
Realistic Target: 0 points
Expected Target: 0 points
Burnley v Middlesbrough – December 26
Boro striker Rhodes – Photo: Charlotte Wilson / Offside.
This is a game where anything can happen, Sean Dyche and Aitor Karanka will not be armed with presents and compliments for each other on Boxing Day, but the Clarets will welcome three points with open arms.
What to expect? A revitalised Burnley side relieved to be back at Turf Moor.
The peculiar hype surrounding this fixture continues given the promotion tussle between the two sides last season.
However, as ever, Boro are a dangerous proposition for Dyche’s side and play their part in a Christmas cracker.
The Clarets twice take the lead, but are pegged back by a late leveler by pantomime villian Jordan Rhodes, after the forward comes off the bench to score at Turf Moor yet again.
Predicted Score: 2-2
Realistic Target: 3 points
Expected Target: 1 point
Burnley v Sunderland – December 31
02 October 2016 Burnley v Arsenal – Premier League Football :Michael Keane of Burnley.Photo: Mark Leech
On the final day of the year, Sunderland come to Turf Moor fresh from a Boxing Day thumping at Manchester United, as David Moyes has a torrid return to Old Trafford.
This is a game that takes on even more significance after the draw with Boro and Burnley come out of the blocks full of running and energy.
What to expect? With a full Turf Moor crowd behind them, Dyche’s men take an early lead and never look back.
Ben Mee and Michael Keane come of age handling the tricky duo of Victor Anichebe and the wily Jermain Defoe.
The Clarets fall back on their superb home record once again, as pundits and commentators alike continue to question if a team can stay up on home form alone.
Predicted Score: 1-0
Realistic Target: 3 points
Expected Target: 3 points
Manchester City v Burnley – January 2
The Return of Barton? – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
The Clarets kick off 2017 just two days after their crucial win over Sunderland.
Burnley have a familiar face in their ranks, Joey Barton, fresh from the Burnley WhatsApp group, is on the bench for the trip to the Etihad, as Dyche looks to utilise his experience and know how in what is turning into a relegation dogfight.
Manchester City, who had a tough 5:30 kick-off at Anfield on New Year’s Eve, make a host of changes, with Pep Guardiola unhappy at his team’s shorter recovery time for this fixture.
The home side can also call on Sergio Aguero who makes his first home start since returning from his ban.
Lightning strikes twice as Burnley earn an unlikely draw, City who are leading for much of the game through Aguero, succumb to a late Ashley Barnes header to leave Burnley on 23 points from 20 games played.
Predicted Score: 1-1
Realistic Target: 0 points
Expected Target: 1 point