Sunderland v Burnley: Clarets boss says pressure is all on Black Cats ahead of crucial showdown

Burnley boss Sean Dyche believes his side's dismal away form will pile all the pressure on rock-bottom Sunderland in today's vital Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Mar 2017, 10:00 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 09:49 BST
Sunderland defender Papy Djilobodji clears off the line to deny Ashley Barnes in December's 4-1 defeat at Burnley. Picture by Frank ReidSunderland defender Papy Djilobodji clears off the line to deny Ashley Barnes in December's 4-1 defeat at Burnley. Picture by Frank Reid
Sunderland defender Papy Djilobodji clears off the line to deny Ashley Barnes in December's 4-1 defeat at Burnley. Picture by Frank Reid

The Clarets have picked up just two of their 31 points on their travels this season, and lost 2-1 at Liverpool despite an impressive display last weekend.

Dyche said: “There will be a bigger expectation at their place because their fans will see it as ‘you’ve got to beat them’ – it’s not mind games, I’m just trying to see how fans think.

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“A couple of Liverpool fans told me it was very rare to see a Liverpool side trying to kill the game last week, so I think that’s a back-handed mark of respect for us, considering we haven’t won away.

“The energy was good and some of the quality, so, although we haven’t won away, there are strong signs of what we can do – but we have to add to that because factually we still haven’t won a game.”

Dyche is eager to break the away-day duck before the end of the season but knows it will pale into insignificance compared to the mighty achievement of securing his side’s top-flight status with some games to spare.

Barring a colossal collapse, the Clarets ought to coast to survival.

Related topics:Sean DycheBurnleySunderlandBlack CatsPremier LeagueStadium of LightLiverpool