5 Premier League teams that can threaten the Top 6 in the 2018/19 season

#4 Burnley

Aberdeen v Burnley - UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round: 1st leg

Last season, Burnley put up one of the most remarkable performances by a club in the Premier League. In terms of their financial standing, Burnley should be one of the worst teams in the Premier League.

Their record signing in history (according to TransferMarkt) cost 14.76 million pounds (Chris Wood). For comparison, there have already been 23 signings above that number in the Premier League.

Burnley have been their typical thrifty self in this transfer window, as they have not signed a single player (or sold anyone). This failure to rejuvenate the team and add fresh signings prevent Sean Dyche’s team from being ranked higher.

Yet, one should not forget what made Burnley such a remarkable success last season (allowing them to qualify for the Europa League). Dyche made the Clarets one of the most well-oiled teams in Europe as they sported a brilliant defence.

James Tarkowski and Ben Mee are among the best centre-back duos in the Premier League, ably supported by full-backs Matthew Lowton and Robbie Brady.

Yet, perhaps the most important aspect of their defence is their spectacular goalkeeper Nick Pope, whose saves won the Clarets several games.

Furthermore what often gets forgotten is how effective their attack became last season with the passing of Jack Cork, the crossing of Johann Berg Gudmundsson, the industriousness of Ashely Barnes and the finishing of Chris Wood combining brilliantly.

Considering that Burnley’s core is still in their primes, further improvements can’t be rule out and that should be scary for the rest of the league.