Football Season Guide

Despite missing out on the Championship title to Leeds on goal difference, Burnley clinched automatic promotion by collecting 100 points and finishing second in the table. Having conceded the fewest goals (16 in 46 games) in a single Championship campaign, their defence looked more solid than ever, with their 30 clean sheets tying a 70-year-old record. Yet, two of the pillars that made Burnley’s defence impenetrable have departed the club. Goalkeeper James Trafford has joined Manchester City, with centre-back CJ Egan-Riley leaving on a free. Meanwhile, Josh Brownhill’ departure is also a blow, with the former Burnley midfielder ending last season as the second highest scorer in the Championship on 18 goals. New signings Kyle Walker and Axel Tuanzebe offer much-needed Premier League experience, with Lesley Ugochukwu and Loum Tchaouna joining to beef up the midfield and attack, respectively. Coach Scott Parker may have now won three promotions to the top flight, but he has never managed to reach a second successive season in the first division as a manager. Armando Broja has been signed to strengthen their attack, but he's coming from an injury-hit season and hasn't played consistent football in a while. Despite the aforementioned departures, Parker has demonstrated that he knows how to put together a solid backline. The team might need to add another top-tier centre-back, but their defence is expected to be their main pillar yet again. However, they do need to work on their attack. Their 57.5 expected goals (xG) was 10th-best in the Championship despite scoring 69 times last term. Burnley need to be clinical in front of goal, but penetrating Premier League defences takes a certain level of creativity too.