AT this time of year the major High Street stores hold their annual sales, and Burnley produce the kind of form that makes you wonder if they have run off all their Christmas pud.

No, there's something about January and the Clarets that simply doesn't mix. One only needs to cast one's mind back 12 months for evidence of that.

Yet, there was something about Saturday's meek capitulation to Sheffield Wednesday which was particularly frustrating.

For here was an outfit, who, prior to the visit to the Turf, had won just twice on the road this season, scoring a mere nine times in the process.

Not only that, their defence on the rare occasions it was subjected to pressure, gave every indication it would collapse like a house of cards if lent on.

In fact, it was almost as poor as Burnley's.

On Saturday's evidence the defence is a concern. Put bluntly, the Clarets miss Steve Davis.

Gnohere and Cox are fine players both, yet without Davis the organisation among the back four is found wanting.

Wednesday's opener for example, was down to the kind of dithering which one feels Davis would have eradicated. Whereas Gnohere and Cox cope, Steve Davis commands.

And at the risk of sounding like a broken record, Glen Little's prolonged absence is a major thorn in the side.

Not only do we miss his creativity, but also his ability to create space for others by taking two defenders out of the equation.

On a brighter note, the protracted capture of Robbie Blake (fingers crossed) provides grounds for optimism in the long-term.

His pace, trickery, goal scoring and ability to play in midfield or up front would appear to make him an excellent signing. Crucially, at 25, he is also the right age.

Unfortunately, having played for Bradford in a previous round of the FA Cup, Blake will be ineligible for Sunday's trip to Cheltenham.

Now is it just me, or are there others out there who are nervously fidgeting in their seats at the prospect of elimination from the competition on Sunday?

Because given our current form, it's a possibility which cannot be ruled out.

It may well be the season for it, but that's one show that all Burnley fans will want to avoid.