Premier League rankings: Burnley analysis, line-up & predicted finish

Every year utilitarian Burnley stay in the Premier League is a successful season and they look equipped to survive once again.

For all that the Premier League seems to be moving away from the old-fashioned English virtues towards a more continental style of play, Burnley are an unapologetic throwback.

Pep Guardiola compared his Manchester City side's trip to Turf Moor to a visit to the dentist. For some it was not even as pleasant as that last term as the Clarets claimed points from Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United en route to 15th place.

It was the second time in three years Burnley had finished on 40 points, those two battles to stay up separated by the difficult-to-explain seventh spot in 2018.

Some have suggested the subsequent European qualification handicapped Burnley last season as they played nine matches before the end of August, although there have been many occasions in their Premier League stay when the Clarets have struggled at certain periods.

True, this spell was worse than most and they were in the relegation zone on December 26 after conceding 41 goals in the first half of last term, more than in the entire 2017-18 campaign.

The 5-1 Boxing Day battering against Everton resulted in Tom Heaton replacing Joe Hart in goal and Burnley never looked back as they collected 28 points in the second half of the season.

Manager Sean Dyche remained calm, with a clearly defined style that won't change.

Only Cardiff had fewer passes and touches in last season's Premier League than Burnley, who also had the fewest shots.

They were bottom of the dribbles and dispossessed table too as they avoided risky manoeuvres, but top when it came to being caught offside and aerials duels won, and runaway champions of the most clearances off the line with 12

Centre-backs James Tarkowski and Ben Mee contributed a whopping six of those between them and that defensive resilience will be crucial if they are to remain a top-flight outfit.

Possible team (4-4-2): Heaton; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Hendrick, Cork, Westwood, McNeil; Barnes, Rodriguez.

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