Transfer Centre

How Burnley could line up next season

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 18 March 2020

With Burnley having realistically guaranteed their Premier League status for another 12 months, Sports Mole takes a look at how the Clarets could line up next season.

At one stage this season, it appeared that Sean Dyche's working relationship with Burnley may have been coming to an end with the Clarets producing a succession of below-par performances.

However, a remarkable upturn in results has led to the club becoming a fixture in the top half of the table, with qualification for the Europa League now not out of the question.

Providing that Dyche continues in his position at Turf Moor, the Burnley manager will want to mix familiarity with the addition of a couple of fresh faces, as well as being mindful that he may have to cash in on one of his star men.

With that in mind, Sports Mole predicts how the North-West outfit may line up at the beginning of the next campaign.

Given the likelihood that Nick Pope could move on to a bigger club, former Leeds United goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell may be in line to take the place of the England international.

Barring any departures, the centre-back partnership of James Tarkowski and Ben Mee appears set in stone, with Matthew Lowton and Charlie Taylor the probable choices at full-back.

Despite the January arrival of Josh Brownhill, Dyche has no reason to make significant changes to his midfield, leaving it likely that Ashley Westwood and Jack Cork will take on the defensive-minded positions.

However, with Burnley having been frequently linked with Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher, it appears possible that the playmaker could be given a chance at Turf Moor next season.

With Dwight McNeil and Chris Wood guaranteed to be named in Dyche's preferred XI, a decision must be made on whether to use Johan Berg Gudmundsson or Ashley Barnes on the right.

Burnley are also being linked with an approach for Bristol City winger Niclas Eliasson, who has contributed three goals and 12 assists in the Championship this season despite making nearly as many substitute appearances as he has starts.