WITH Arsene Wenger's departure from Arsenal imminent, Sean Dyche and Eddie Howe are set to become the two longest serving managers in the Premier League.

The pair will meet at Turf Moor on Sunday having been in their respective jobs for over five-and-a-half years, with Howe appointed by Bournemouth 18 days before Dyche replaced Howe at Burnley.

They are also the Premier League's two shining lights for British bosses and although it is Dyche and the Clarets who will come out on top this season, the Turf Moor chief has been just as impressed with Howe's season with the Cherries, who head into the weekend in 12th.

“I think both of us have had success in different ways, he’s done terrific. I think, actually, from a manager’s point of view, this is one of his strongest seasons because they had a really tough start," Dyche said.

“He’s been waiting for the players he’s signed to mature and improve, and it’s paid him back.

“They have some good players and he continues to get the best out of them.

“I’m really into development, and I’ve got total respect for Eddie, his staff and players.

“This season has been a few more ups and downs along the way, and anyone can take control of a ship in calm water, but not so easy when the storm is coming."

Burnley's seventh place finish is already confirmed and Dyche will lead the Clarets into Europe for the first time in 51 years next season.

He is expecting a party atmosphere at a sold-out Turf Moor on Sunday and praised the fans for their support during his time at the club.

"They’ve been through a few ups and downs in my five-and-a-half years, but mostly ups," Dyche said.

"We’ve collected a modern fanbase, when I got here it was around 11,500 to 12,000 following us. Now we’re more or less full houses over a season which is fantastic.

"There’s a lot of respect for the fans here, they’ve backed us through some ups and downs, particularly in the Premier League. We’ve had some tough spells in the Premier League but they've stayed behind the team and that’s a really important factor, it gives the players more freedom to go and play.

"They (the fans) deserve a lot of credit for that, because that’s not easy, especially when expectation stays, to stay in your belief that this is a team that will give you everything and work hard for everything they’ve got."