5 key games in Burnley’s packed festive schedule

Manchester City v Burnley – January 2

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

Overall:

Realistic Target after five games: 7 points

Expected Target after five games: 6 points

How many points do you think Burnley will pick up over the Christmas break?