SCOTT Arfield is expecting a battle to get his place back in the Burnley side as he eyes a return from a knee problem this week.

Arfield and Sam Vokes both narrowly missed out on places in the matchday 18 against Manchester United on Sunday, but Clarets boss Sean Dyche expects both to return to contention this week.

But competition for places remains fierce, especially in wide areas with Johann Berg Gudmundsson returning from his own knee problem against the Red Devils, and Arfield believes the depth in the Turf Moor squad has improved year on year.

"It has been since I came in. From the first season it gradually got better and with the money that the club has now got it obviously enhances it on the playing side," he said.

"Once you're out for a few games it's so hard to get back in and I think that's right. Just because you've played in previous seasons or done certain things, if you're not pulling your weight or your performances aren't up to scratch then you miss out and you're disappointed.

"Robbie (Brady) has come in and done magnificent, Johann you can see his technical ability and he’s been unlucky with injuries, but as soon as he gets back to fitness you can see we’re very strong out wide."