Premier League 14/15: Team By Team Preview And Predictions

20. Burnley

Last Season: 2nd (Championship) Manager: Sean Dyche Opening Fixture: Chelsea (h) Transfer Activity: Despite the obvious riches which come with promotion to the Premier League, Burnley have spent modestly this summer on British players exclusively, with Lukas Jutkiewicz (Middlesbrough) being the most expensive of which at just over £2million. Marvin Sordell (Bolton) has joined the club too, with Sean Dyche having worked with the player previously at Watford. Michael Kightly (Stoke) returns permanently after a successful loan spell at Turf Moor last season, whilst Steven Reid (West Brom), Matt Gilks (Blackpool) and Matthew Taylor (West Ham) will add invaluable experience to the Premier League new-boys. Crucially, the Clarets have lost no key players from their promotion-winning campaign, but notable departures include Joseph Mills, Junior Stanislas, Chris Baird, Brian Stock and Keith Treacy. Possible Starting XI: Heaton; Trippier, Duff, Shackell, Mee; Arfield, Jones, Marney, Kightly; Vokes, Ings Key Player: Danny Ings Verdict: It's hard to argue that the new recruits are any better than Burnley's starting eleven which got them promoted last season - although they do add much-needed depth to the squad - however that may not necessarily be a bad thing. Confidence will be high amongst a team which is used to winning right now, and they will be determined to justify Sean Dyche's decision to give the players that got the club to the Premier League the chance to keep them there. Having played a traditional 4-4-2 last season with a tried and trusted little and large combination up front in Danny Ings and Sam Vokes, Burnley fans will be hopeful that Ings in particular can fire the goals to stave off relegation, although that may prove to be a bridge too far for last season's overachievers. Prediction: 20th