Football Season Guide

Burnley flirted with danger for most of last season, but in the end 2 short winning streaks in spring were just about enough to keep Dyche’s team in the top flight. The Clarets are known for their ruthless and uncompromising style of play that includes regular use of brutal force, with Dyche not making any excuses and preaching this type of football. Recent analyses of Burnley from last season revealed that if VAR was used Dyche’s men would have been punished with 5 more red cards and would have been awarded 11 more penalties against them. All this suggests that with the overdue arrival of VAR this term Burnley will start struggling if they don’t change their ways. No sign of such thing happening and Dyche continues signing and using players that fit his philosophy. Youngster McNeil had breakthrough spring, helped by injuries to Brady and Gudmundsson, which is likely to see him retaining starting role in the team. Up front giant Wood is the main source of goals, while Defour hopes to be much better health-wise after ruined last season. Departure of captain Heaton means that Pope and Hart will be battling it for the right to start between the posts, with the former seen as Burnley’s new number one in the long term. Not likely to change much their style and even if not pleasant to watch Burnley always guarantee to try and compensate for their lesser technical abilities with hard work, dedication and the odd ruthless tackle!