PREMIER League pundit Gary Neville insists it would be “the great escape” if Burnley manage to beat the drop this season.

The Clarets are up to 18th in the table following back-to-back wins against Brighton and Tottenham – two points behind Newcastle, who have played an extra game.

Sean Dyche’s men have also closed the gap on the likes of Brentford, Leeds and Everton, and also have a better goal difference than the sides around them.

Neville admits he expected Burnley to go down before the weekend but insists the relegation battle is now wide open.

"I went into the afternoon kick-offs on Saturday thinking Norwich, Watford and Burnley would go down," said the former Manchester United and England defender.

"Watford do that yo-yo thing, while Norwich don't invest enough to really have a go at it and have not been as good as the rest all season.

"I didn't think that Burnley were any worse at the start of the season but felt the rest had got stronger. Then Burnley go and do what they did at Brighton!

"If Sean Dyche was to get Burnley out of this, it would be the great escape. It would mean that a Newcastle, a Brentford or a Leeds would go down."

The Clarets are back in action on Saturday afternoon when they head south to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace (KO 3pm).

Patrick Vieira’s men are currently 11th in the Premier League table and recorded a convincing 4-1 win at Watford in their last outing.

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