BURNLEY could move within touching distance of ticking off 'goal number one' this season with victory at Swansea on Saturday.

A win in South Wales would move the Clarets on to 39 points, just one shy of matching the total of 40 they achieved last season.

For Sean Dyche that is the first target he has set his side this season and with 12 games to go they are well placed to far exceed that number.

While Dyche has seen season-on-season improvement in his own eyes he admits the proof will come in the league table.

"Goal number one is improving on last season. We got 40 points last season and we want to go beyond that," the Clarets chief said.

"It’s been more challenging lately because of injuries but when everyone is fit and that competitive element is there then I think we’ve improved on last season, but you have to do the improvement on the league table. That’s where you’re measured so we want to go above and beyond what we did last season.

"Beyond that, we’re open minded. We have been all season and that’s been effective this year, we’ve got 18 points away from home, 18 at home. That proves there has been a more open minded approach, particularly away from home, because it was difficult for us last season and we’ve quite obviously changed that."

Burnley were beaten 3-2 at the Liberty Stadium 11 months ago. They were twice ahead through Andre Gray goals but couldn't see the game out and remained winless on the road.

Paul Clement celebrated Swansea's last-minute win with a jig down the touchline but he has since been given the boot, with Carlos Carvalhal's surprise appointment sparking an upturn in form.

"We’ve all seen the bounce that can happen when a new manager comes in. They’ve certainly had that," Dyche said of Swansea.

"It’s a new style, 5-4-1, not keeping the ball, it’s mainly counter attack. Swansea were a team that were renowned for working in possession and lately they’ve got a different style and it’s been effective. They may change that against us.

"I don’t think the fans will be moaning that the style has changed, I think they’ll be saying that it’s fantastic we’ve got some wins and some points.

"It’s another big challenge. We’re Burnley, we know every game is a challenge. We will be ready."

Burnley will be seeking to make sure their winless Premier League run doesn't hit double figures by claiming all three points, but Dyche said the wait for success wasn't weighing on the minds and players or staff.

"There’s a great clarity through what we do," he said. "The chairman and everyone know the challenge of the Premier League. The fans have been amazing lately.

"There’s life in a side who give everything, and we give everything. I believe in the group."