Burnley backable for the drop with uncertainty surrounding Turf Moor

On paper Burnley epitomise second-tier solidity with only a promotion campaign and a brief Premier League sojourn bucking the club’s mid-table trend of the last 10 years.

But, by their own admission, a vocal section of Burnley fans are quick to point out that their side could be in for a long and hard season.

There’s one obvious reason to believe that their fears are well founded. Despite failing a medical at Hull City, many are of the opinion that the departure of star striker Charlie Austin is imminent.

Coupled with a sufficient lack of quality amongst their ranks, the Clarets could quite easily be dragged into a Championship relegation dogfight.

Frustratingly, the questions surrounding Austin’s future, last season’s 28-goal hitman, refuse to go away.

And having lost their next best striking option, Martin Paterson, to relegation rivals Huddersfield Town there is notable pessimism among supporters.

That sense of foreboding could become even more acute should their side fail to bring in proven quality.

The signing of forward Ryan Noble from Sunderland shows manager Sean Dyche’s faith in players wishing to fulfil their potential.

But the 22-year old has only netted three league goals in his career so far. And he’ll have to hit the ground running to silence any doubters.

Likewise, the free transfer of former Huddersfield midfielder Scott Arfield has done little to excite those in this part of East Lancashire.

Ladbrokes are currently offering 3/1 for Burnley to suffer the drop and that price could shorten further should a poor start to the new campaign leave Dyche’s men near the foot of the table.

They collected just 12 points from their opening 10 games last term. A repeat of that form will only serve to increase the tension at Turf Moor.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.