With the start of the 2016/17 Premier League season less than two weeks away, Premier League correspondent Richard Jolly provides his previews for each club. Here he looks at Burnley.
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Last season was a triumph of resolve and resourcefulness as Burnley responded to relegation by winning the Championship, ending the campaign unbeaten in 23 games.
This season presents the same test as 2014/15: if a club with much the smallest budget in the division and which struggles to sign Premier League players can stay up.
Sean Dyche has displayed an ability to produce a team which is greater than the sum of its parts but many of those individuals who excelled in the Championship have points to prove at the higher level. Defender Michael Keane may not be among them. It is a sign of how highly he is rated that Burnley have repelled three offers from Leicester City for the England Under-21 international.
Yet with Burnley’s player of the year, Joey Barton, opting to join Rangers, Dyche’s starting 11 looks weaker than it did last season.
The 4-4-2 formation that drew criticism two seasons ago is back in vogue, given Leicester’s success playing it, and while Burnley are unlikely to have the majority of the ball, they will out-run most opponents.
Effort and team spirit yielded 33 points two seasons ago, more than many predicted, but Burnley will have to confound still more doubters if they are to top that and stay up.
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Key Man: Andre Gray
A non-league player as recently as 2014, the striker was the Championship’s 25-goal top scorer last season. Like Danny Ings before him, Burnley provide a platform to show what he can do in the top flight.
Pivotal Signing: Johann Berg Gudmundsson
The quick, industrious winger looks a typical Dyche player. It bodes well that he excelled for Iceland in Euro 2016, less so that he was part of a Charlton side relegated to the third tier last season.
Point to Prove: Sam Vokes
The Welshman has scored 35 goals in his last two Championship seasons. His last taste of the Premier League was affected by a serious knee injury, but did not bring a goal.
Crucial Factor: The start
Burnley did not win any of their first 10 league games during their last stint in the Premier League. They were playing catch-up thereafter. Now, with five of their opening seven games at home, they have the chance to get momentum.
Predicted finish: 19th
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