JOEY Barton believes Burnley are doing a good job of managing expectations ahead of Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash.

The Clarets go into the weekend’s games in third , two points behind second-placed opponents Brighton.

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Sean Dyche’s side could slip to fourth or fifth depending on the outcome of Middlesbrough’s home game with QPR tonight and Derby v Cardiff tomorrow, while a win over the so far unbeaten Seagulls would lift them up to second.

Defeat for Hull at Bristol City tomorrow, and a significant goal swing, could even put Burnley in top spot come Sunday night.

But while there is an eagerness to get back up to the Premier League at the first attempt, Barton does not feel the pressure is the same as the likes of Hull, Boro or Derby will be feeling, as well as his former club QPR, who have already had a change of manager.

“Of all the sides that came down – and I was at one of them in QPR – I think Burnley managed their expectations when they went up to be able to come down in terms wage, budgets and finance,” he said.

“The same probably can’t be said about the other two, they probably need to bounce back and bounce back quick, whereas I think Burnley lived way within their means when they went to the Premier League.”