SCOTT Arfield wants a sell-out Turf Moor to roar the Clarets over the line in a Boxing Day cracker against Middlesbrough.

Arfield is expecting a Premier League scrap against the side who finished runners-up behind Burnley in the Championship, and he believes a packed Turf Moor could prove to be the 12th man.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The two promoted sides are outside the relegation zone 17 games into the top flight season, but a win in their first meeting of the campaign would provide breathing space heading into the New Year.

A jubilant Turf Moor almost willed Michael Keane’s equaliser into the net in a crucial 1-1 draw with Boro in the Championship run-in, and Arfield is hoping for another good atmosphere on Boxing Day from what is already a sell-out crowd.

“From the start of the season and even last season in the Championship there were so many times we had to dig deep and they (the fans) were the 12th man and this year they’ve come in their numbers,” he said.

“They’ve supported us home and away, and they make great noise at home, it’s a place nobody wants to come so Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve is going to be perfect for us and hopefully we can get the two wins.”

Keane’s stoppage time equaliser against Middlesbrough back in April continued Burnley’s unbeaten Championship run and helped propel them to the title.

“It was a proper Championship game then with two teams who ended up getting promoted,” Arfield said of that clash, before adding of the Boxing Day showdown: “I think the fans know how important it is, just as the players and staff do. It won’t be that definitive on the outcome but it could have a huge impact on where we finish at the end of the season.”

Although both sides are now operating in the Premier League, and making a good fist of it, Arfield believes it could be more of a battle than some of Burnley’s Turf Moor wins so far this term.

“It could be more of a scrap,” he said. “There’ll be looking at it and thinking we played them last year and we know a lot about them, both of us have changed personnel but the structure within the two teams is probably the same.

“They’ll be looking to come and take the game to us but we’re solid at home and we can beat anyone.”

The visit of the Teessiders is the first of a key festive double header for the Clarets, with Sunderland in town on New Year’s Eve.

“It’s going to be crucial, we’re very strong at home and it’s vitally important to keep that momentum up,” said Canada international Arfield.

“At home with the fans behind us over this period it’s going to be a massive week for us.”