Scott Thornton gives us a complete guide to Burnley FC, including fixtures, players, odds and predictions for the 2023/24 Premier League season.
In a series of guides focusing on the teams promoted from the Championship to the Premier League ahead of the 2023/24 season, Scott Thornton looks at the fixtures, players and betting odds for Burnley before arriving at his prediction for Vincent Kompany’s side.
Burnley Fixtures
Burnley start their season against Manchester City. It’s as tough as things could have been for their opener but it will be a big day for Vincent Kompany as he manages his team against the club he captained. The Clarets were beaten 6-0 by City in the FA Cup last season. Kompany will be hoping that his team are more competitive this time around.
Burnley’s difficult start continues as they face Manchester United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Chelsea in their next seven fixtures. The fans must be prepared for a slow start as they take on several sides that harbour ambitions of qualifying for Europe.
At the end of the season, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest are in the last five Burnley fixtures. These fixtures could be crucial if they are within touching distance, or in, the bottom three.
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Burnley Players
Burnley Squad: Who’s in and out this summer?
Burnley’s spending at this early stage in the window has been modest but they have strengthened the heart of their defence by bringing in Dara O’Shea. Jordan Beyer has also been brought in on a permanent basis after his loan ended. Wout Weghorst has also returned to the club after a spell at Manchester United but it is unclear whether he will be used by Vincent Kompany.
They have lost a few key players in the summer and it is anticipated that they will be busy in the remaining weeks of the transfer window.
Who are the key Burnley players ahead of the 2023/24 season?
The Clarets took the Championship by storm last season, amassing a total of 101 points. No team in the league averaged more possession than Burnley and their midfield were key in dominating their opponents. Kompany earned many plaudits for the way his team played but there were several key players during their successful campaign.
Josh Brownhill played 41 league games last season in several positions ranging from deeper in midfield to left-wing. He contributed with seven goals and eight assists but his contribution was much greater than pure goal involvements. The midfielder ranked in the 94th percentile for touches in the opposition penalty area and progressive passes received. Brownhill’s performances will be key for Burnley this season as they look to re-establish themselves in the Premier League.
Josh Cullen scooped up Burnley’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards last season. Like Brownhill, he was instrumental in them winning the league and the two frequently formed a dynamic midfield partnership.
Cullen ranked highly in passes attempted and completed. He ranked in the 76th percentile for progresses passes amongst Fbref’s Men’s Next Eight Competitions (American Major League Soccer, Brazilian Série A, Dutch Eredivisie, English Championship, Mexican Liga MX, Portuguese Primeira Liga, Copa Libertadores, UEFA Europa Conference League)
Burnley Predicted Lineup: Who will make Kompany’s favoured XI?
Burnley still have plenty of work to do ahead of the start of the Premier League season. Their top scorer from last season has returned to Southampton after his loan deal come to an end. Ian Maatsen also looks set to remain at Chelsea following the expiration of his loan deal at Burnley.
They are also rumoured to be in the market for another midfielder so it is difficult to predict the team’s starting 11 for their opener against Manchester City at this stage. If I had to put down the Burnley predicted lineup at this stage, I would go for this:
James Trafford; Charlie Taylor, Jordan Beyer, Dara O’Shea, Connor Roberts; Josh Cullen, Josh Brownhill, Jack Cork, Anass Zaroury; Jay Rodriguez, Manuel Benson
Burnley Odds | 2023/24 Premier League Season
| Burnley Odds | Best Odds | Worst Odds |
|---|---|---|
| To Be Relegated | 5/2 | 2/1 |
| To Stay Up | 2/5 | 4/11 |
| To Win the Title | 1500/1 | 600/1 |
Burnley Relegation Odds
Burnley are the only promoted who the bookmakers have priced outside of the three favourites for relegation at this stage. You can get odds of 5/2 for Kompany’s team to return to the Championship with Sky Bet, Paddy Power, Betfair and William Hill.
Burnley Top Scorer Odds
Jay Rodriguez is currently Burnley’s shortest-priced player to be the Premier League’s top scorer at 200/1 with Bet365. However, as previously mentioned, they will almost certainly bring in a striker prior to the start of the season.
Wout Weghorst was disappointing in his last season for Burnley and it doesn’t seem likely he will be relied upon to score the team’s goals next season. He was lauded for his work ethic off the ball at Manchester United but his plight in front of goal was well documented.
The bookmakers are yet to post the markets for team specific top scorers. We will have a better idea of who Kompany will entrust to lead the attack for his side next season.
Burnley Title Odds
As you’d expect, the bookmakers are giving Burnley next to no chance of winning the title next year. Bet365 are offering 1500/1 for the Clarets to achieve the impossible. Unfortunately for those who like to back the newly-promoted sides, the bookmakers haven’t offered 5000/1 on any team since Leicester's remarkable campaign under Claudio Ranieri.
Burnley Predictions
At this early stage, I’m backing Burnley to avoid the drop. They have work to do in the transfer market but Kompany has proven himself to be an adept tactician and man manager. His side are prepared for the rigours of the top flight and they showcased this in their spirited performance at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup last season.
They have an unwavering set of footballing principles that should serve them well in the Premier League. They are unlikely to dominate games in the same manner that they did last season but their positivity in possession should mean they are able to pick enough points to remain safe.
