Playing for 90
Fansided

Premier League race for Europa: chasing the ‘big 6’

By Thomas Bradley Alderman

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Claude Puel, Manager of Leicester City shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Stoke City and Leicester City at Bet365 Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Claude Puel, Manager of Leicester City shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Stoke City and Leicester City at Bet365 Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 13: Sean Dyche, Manager of Burnley shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Burnley at Selhurst Park on January 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 13: Sean Dyche, Manager of Burnley shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Burnley at Selhurst Park on January 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Burnley have a star

Sean Dyche is the real ‘chosen one’. He has just signed a new four-year contract committing himself to Burnley. Their rise is remarkable, yet similar to Leicester’s. Dyche is definitely an overachiever. Whereas it took four separate managers to help the King Power outfit elevate to the top league, become champions, then stabilised once again.

At one point it seemed Burnley must have Champions League dreams, let alone the Europa. After the league’s top sides seemed to slot back into place, they have been more settled. Yet The Clarets are still hovering around the European qualification area.

More from Playing for 90

Having now reached the milestone of 100 Premier League matches in charge of Burnley is significant. Dyche did lose that game to Manchester United, however, there is no shame in that. It is not a game which is Burnley’s ‘bread and butter’ winnable clashes.

Dyche has made a wise choice in purchasing Everton winger Aaron Lennon. A proven wide-man, who can and will provide a decent assist tally, even a few goals. Expect excitement as the eighth placed Lancashire side do battle with the dead-equal Foxes.

The obvious affinity between teammates at Turf Moor can take them far, in the manner of Leicester in 2015/16 or Wimbledon’s Crazy Gang who won the FA Cup incredibly in 1988. With a town of just over 70,000 people, Burnley will need their camaraderie. Next up, Dyche’s side face Newcastle United, Manchester City then Swansea.

Home/Europa League