Finishing 16th last season for Burnley was a concerning conclusion to an already strange campaign. They did note endure the full process of being dragged into a relegation battle as the teams relegated performed so poorly across the season, with the gap separating Burnley in 16th and Fulham in 18th being 11 points. 39 points is commonly considered the goal for teams whose end of season priority is to ensure a future in the league, which Burnley achieved, but in truth there will be a huge sense of urgency amongst the Burnley camp. Sean Dyche will no doubt remind his side of their ability to retain Premier League status, there is no doubting Burnley's quality, on their day they are such a awkward team to play and can beat any of the other 19 teams. Their record high league finish of 7th in 2018 emphasizes this beyond reason. The problem now is the Premier League's competitiveness is increasing every year and is arguably at it's peak. Teams such as Brighton, Crystal and Palace, Newcastle, Southampton and Burnley are all direct competitors and it is their primary concern to be the better than one another, with the level of quality in all the sides being uniquely unfulfilled. That is the beauty of the Premier League I suppose. Burnley's transfer window has been rather mediocre, they have signed the established Wayne Hennessey from Crystal Palace and added some youth prospects from the Championship. They may have more signings planned but at the moment Dyche will likely be satisfied with his current squad. In Burnley's case, the return of fans will be a massive boost as a packed Turf Moor has such an element of intimidation, it can often sway the final score on the pitch. In previous campaigns, Burnley gained so much of their wins at home whereas last campaign they only won four games at Turf Moor. The restoration of fans will hopefully improve this poor return. They have a huge opening fixture against Brighton and an opening day victory against a relegation rival will be the ideal start for the Clarets ahead of their vital season.
MAJOR TRANSFERS (subject to change).
IN- Wayne Hennessey- (Crystal Palace, free).
OUT- Ben Gibson- (Norwich, loan).
Robbie Brady- (released).
Bailey Peacock-Farrell- (Sheff Wednesday, loan).
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