CO-chairman John Banaszkiewicz has urged supporters to raise the Turf Moor roof and lift the Clarets tonight – and all season.

Burnley kick-off their Premier League season with the televised blockbuster against Chelsea (kick-off 8pm).

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Sean Dyche’s side have been handed a tough start to life after promotion, with Manchester United their next home fixture after a trip to Swansea, who caused an opening day upset with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.

But, expecting a sell-out crowd, Banaszkiewicz said: “We are up and ready for the challenge and the fight.”

And believes the Clarets army has a role to play as they go into Premier League battle.

“We’ve got to encourage all the fans to cheer us along,” he added.

“There are going to be good and bad results along the way but we need to all think positively and look where we are and what we have done and cheer the team on no matter what.

“Last week we could have been playing Rotherham or Brentford, tonight we are playing Chelsea.

“I’m over the moon and really excited and can’t wait for the season to start.

“You’ve still got to pinch yourself.

“But the manager, staff and players have worked hard and they are ready.”

With Jose Mourinho boasting a proud record of not losing an opening day game, Banaszkiewicz is hoping the Clarets can become the first.

“We would like to buck the trend,” he said.

“From what I hear Jose Mourinho doesn’t look forward to playing newly promoted teams, particularly in the first game, so I’m sure he’s done his homework on us.

“But everything is possible.

“Hopefully the ‘Special One’ is Burnley.”