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Last year was a 'once in a lifetime' season for Premier League minnows Burnley. A place in the top seven and European qualification led to manager Sean Dyche making history with the club. However, a lot of sides struggle in the league when they've qualified for Europe. Newcastle and Leicester are two notable sides who have struggled but managed to survive in the BPL while maintaining a strong-hold in Europe.
The main concern of the fans is the strength that the club lacks when you look in-depth. 3rd choice goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard looks set to start the season in-goal for Burnley due to injuries to both Tom Heaton and Nick Pope. Luckily for the Clarets, the goalkeeping position is where they're undoubtedly strongest in terms of depth. The same cannot be said for other positions.
A lack of signings may also be a concern with fans, however, after all of the work Dyche has done with the club they trust their manager to improve the squad through whatever means he can.
Goalkeepers
Before the Aberdeen game, I would have said this was Burnley's strongest position. However, with Nick Pope out for up to six months and Tom Heaton suffering from major injuries for the last 12 months. Burnley may be looking to add another goalkeeper to their squad on loan before the window closes.
Full-backs
With two first-team players in both full-back positions, Burnley are in good stead to start the season with a possible rotation policy if need be. However, better options are available and if so they might look to replaced Stephen Ward this Summer.
Centre-backs
In terms of squad depth, this is where I really worry about Burnley. Both James Tarkowski and Ben Mee are good enough as a for the majority of teams in the Premier League. However, I'm still suspect of Kevin Long and I believe Burnley need at least one more centre-back to be successful this season.
Central midfielders
Burnley have a very strong central midfield when everyone is fit and this is shown by their quality on the ball. Jeff Hendrick and Jack Cork were their main pairing were often joined by Steven Defour last season when Burnley played a 4-4-1-1 system. I would like to see one more back-up come in to help them ease the load of the Europa League.
Wingers
For me, Burnley lack a pacy winger, Brady and Gudmundsson can do a job but again, a pacy winger off the bench can do wonders for a side. Burnley attempted this with the loan signing of Georges-Kevin N'Koudou but it didn't work out as they'd hoped.
Strikers
One guarantee with Burnley is they've got the potential for goals in their side with target men and quality poachers Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes. With Sam Vokes, Jon Walters and forgotten man Nakhi Wells as their back-ups, you can imagine Burnley will be fine in the striker department this season, even with the added stresses of Europe.
One to watch: James Tarkowski
Best signing: N/A
Weak link: Stephen Ward
Signings needed: 3
Expected starting line-up
I believe when Burnley travel to St Mary's they'll follow their trusted 4-4-1-1 system which brought so much success last season and most likely the same players who regularly featured for the Clarets last season. If it's not broke, don't fix it.
However, Dyche will have the awkward decision on whether or not he starts Tom Heaton who looks set to make the first Premier League fixture but might not be match fit. However, I'm unsure on whether Dyche has any confidence in Andres Lindegaard.
Final league position
Burnley's final league position will vastly depend on how they perform in the Europa League. If Burnley lose to Aberdeen, they will be in for an easy mid-table finish. However, if they push through and beyond the group stage, they could fall down the table dramatically. I can see Burnley feeling a bit of heat when it comes to relegation but I can't see them being troubled or be falling into the bottom three.
Prediction - 14th
Cup competitions
I think any success in national competitions will be off the cards this season simply due to the demand of juggling Europe and the Premier League. Therefore, I think Burnley will be eliminated from the EFL Cup very early on.
EFL Cup - Third round
If Burnley are in the lower half of the league come January, I feel they'll also let the FA Cup slide. As Europa will be their priority in this campaign.
FA Cup - Third Round.
Europa League
Burnley have a side who are good enough to push past the Europa League group stages and perhaps even win one of their knockout fixtures. However, it won't be easy by any stretch of the imagination. Just ask Everton.
Prediction - Round of 32.
Agree with my predictions? Leave a comment with your predictions for Burnley in the upcoming season.
