5 clubs that have surprised us this season

#4 Burnley

Burnley have consistently hovered around the European places this season

By avoiding relegation from the Premier League last season, Burnley exceeded expectations for their first season back in the top flight. They did so relatively comfortably, finishing six points clear of 18th-placed Hull City, despite losing four of their last six matches and only winning twice after January 31.

Given this slow conclusion to the campaign, it was reasonable to expect Shaun Dyche’s men to struggle at the beginning of this season, yet the reverse is true.

Indeed, Burnley find themselves seventh in the standings, having spent the entirety of the campaign flirting with the European places. It has been achieved off the back of an amazing run of form away from home, with the stunning 3-2 victory over Chelsea on the opening day of the season setting the tone.

They have also played Tottenham and Liverpool on their travels and have drawn against both of those Champions League hopefuls.

This is a team with few obvious stars but a terrific ethic of teamwork and organisation. England international goalkeeper Tom Heaton has missed much of the season due to injury, while only Chris Wood (four) and Sam Vokes (three) have contributed significantly on the goal front.

Burnley’s early-season form has certainly been a surprise, but it would be an even greater shock if they were to maintain it until the end of the season.