Burnley Premier League season 17-18 preview: Martin Keown's guide

The Premier League season is now just hours away, and it is time to look ahead to how the 20 teams will all get on.

Sportsmail has recruited columnist Martin Keown to run through reasons to be cheerful and fearful, as well as the key player and major signings.

Here is the lowdown on Burnley...


 

WHO'S IN CHARGE? 

Sean Dyche - His reputation is growing all the time. Given the resources available, Dyche was second only to Antonio Conte as my manager of the season. He was one of the only bosses to resist the in-vogue back three and his sides are hard-working and tricky to beat. 

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL

Turf Moor was the key to Burnley's success last season, winning 10 of their 19 home games — two more than Manchester United. Their biggest home defeats were by just two goals, against United and Tottenham. 

REASONS TO BE FEARFUL

It took Burnley until April to win on the road. While they did not lose by many on their travels, that was largely down to the solidity of Michael Keane and Ben Mee in defence. With Keane at Everton, James Tarkowski must step up to the plate. Losing pacy forward Andre Gray to Watford is a big blow. 

Sam Vokes is a battering ram up front, and he'll be the main man after Andre Gray's exit

Sam Vokes is a battering ram up front, and he'll be the main man after Andre Gray's exit

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KEY PLAYER

Sam Vokes - It's all very well being hard to beat but to win you need players who will finish chances. Vokes is a battering ram up front but Gray's exit has heaped more pressure on the Wales striker to better last season's tally of 10. 

MAJOR INS 

Jack Cork (Swansea) £8m, Charlie Taylor (Leeds) £5m, Phil Bardsley (Stoke) £1.5m, Jon Walters (Stoke) undisclosed 

MAJOR OUTS

Michael Keane (Everton) £30m, Andre Gray (Watford) £18.5m, Tendayi Darikwa (N Forest) undisclosed 

LAST SEASON POSITION: 16TH 

WHERE WILL THEY FINISH THIS SEASON?

They should stay up but it will be a season of struggle.

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