Opposition View: Burnley
The last time the Swans and the Clarets went head-to-head was on the opening day of the season, when Francesco Guidolin was in charge and everything looked to be going well as we ran out 1-0 winners. What a season we’ve had since…
Ahead of Saturday’s game with Burnley, I spoke to lifelong Burnley fan Ryan Murton and asked him a few questions on relegation, their poor away form and more.
Name – Ryan Murton
Age – 25
Q: You’ve had a very good ‘first season’ in the Premier League. What’s changed since your last spell in the top flight?
In our first season we had zero experience of how to operate in the top flight. Dyche was a brand new manager and we spent no money on new players. Dyche didn’t know how to set up the team differently and the players didn’t know how to change their style. We have now spent money, Dyche is a lot more experienced and we know what it takes to see a game out.
Q: As a Burnley fan, who has been your standout player this season?
I’m torn between Tom Heaton and Michael Keane, but I’ll have to go with Heaton. He’s instilled confidence into the entire team and that confidence flows through to the fans as well. He’s been the best English keeper in the country this season in my opinion.
Q: Is there anybody in particular you think we should be wary of on Saturday? Is there anyone showing particularly good form that may have gone unseen?
Brady has been pretty poor in general play in his first two starts but then again he has got a goal and an assist. He has to come good in open play eventually! Hendrick is back against Swansea after his red card against Watford and he’s been on of our most improved players this season.
Q: Likewise, is there anybody who you think Sean Dyche will pinpoint as a threat for Swansea?
I think Sigurdsson is clearly a threat – the guy just oozes class and is far too good for any team in the bottom half. I also believe Tom Carroll has a lot of quality and Dyche will be hoping he doesn’t perform any of his magic touches on Saturday.
Q: What have you made of Paul Clement’s time at Swansea so far?
You’ve clearly done well since he’s come in and I don’t think anybody can knock him.
Q: Your home form has been superb this season, but you’ve only picked up two points away from home. Why do you think that is?
Turf Moor is an extremely old ground, so you could argue that the players of the Premier League might not like the old school feel. I also think some of our results have been somewhat lucky with freak goals etc.
Q: Are there any weaknesses in you side you think we could exploit?
Just give us possession! We’re terrible with possession as we aren’t used to it and we never seem to know what to do with it.
Q: How do you think Burnley will line up on Saturday?
Heaton
Ward, Mee, Keane, Lowton
Brady, Barton, Hendrick, Boyd
Vokes, Gray
Q: What’s your score prediction for the game?
I think given you’re at home and we aren’t great away – I think you’ll scrape it 2-1. Though in fairness, our away performances are getting much better.
Q: And finally, do you think the Swans’ can avoid relegation this season?
I think you will – Sigurdsson can keep you up by himself!
Thanks to Ryan for taking part in this week’s opposition view! You can follow him on twitter here: @Ryan_Murton.
How do you think Saturday’s game will pan out? Let us know at @ReadSwansea or find us on Facebook!