NARROWING THE GAP

Burnley’s away record might still make for pretty grim reading but there are certainly signs of an upturn in fortunes on the road for the Clarets.

It’s one point from a possible 30 away from home now but where they were being comfortably beaten on their travels at the start of the season, now the gap is much closer.

Lancashire Telegraph:

The first five away games in the league this season were lost by a combined total of 12 goals, and that run included the goalless draw at Old Trafford.

The next five, while failing to yield a points return, have been lost by just six goals, and that includes trips to Tottenham, Manchester City and Arsenal.

The signs are positive even if the away form table isn’t.

QUALITY OF CHANCES

One of the reasons for Burnley’s improvement away is that they are much better at the back.

Earlier on this season it felt like Tom Heaton was an overworked ‘keeper when the Clarets were on the road, being peppered from all angles and from close range.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Now the quality of chances that Sean Dyche’s side are giving up are much tougher for the beneficiaries.

This isn’t an exact science but the shots on target the opposition have had in away games is an indication of how things have changed.

In those first five away games Burnley gave up 47 shots on target, at an average of 9.4 a game. In the last five they have given up just 35 shots on target, at just seven a game.

GEORGE BOYD

The ever-dependable winger is in the best form he’s shown all season at the moment and could well be pushing for an extended contract.

The 31-year-old’s deal expires at the end of the season and he is yet to be offered anything concrete to extend his Turf Moor stay.

Lancashire Telegraph:

There’s certainly an argument to say that Boyd’s best work can often come going backwards these days, with the insurance he can offer his full-back, greatly needed when facing the quality of players like Alexis Sanchez, and his incredible workrate.

Burnley may be waiting until the end of the transfer window to see if they can bring in another wide man this month, but the feeling remains that Boyd could still do a job, in certain games, next season.