OPPO VIEW: BURNLEY

In our first away trip of the season we head down to familiar foes Burnley, who were also promoted to the Premier League last season. Ahead of the game, we spoke to the lads at TurfCast to see what's gone on over the summer for the Clarets, and how they see this season panning out.

We meet again! Sunderland and Burnley had very different opening days to the Premier League season, firstly what did you make of Sunderland's 3-0 victory over West Ham?

With Burnley playing at the same time I didn't see too much of your game if I am honest, but the scoreline was definitely one to make fans sit up and start to take notice.

In your 3-0 defeat against talented opposition (Spurs), how did Burnley play?

We actually played well, to be fair, with quite a few things to be positive about when it comes to the performance. We just weren't clinical enough in the final third but that won't come as a shock to Burnley fans - even last year when we got 100 points in the Championship we were struggling to score goals and we haven't really addressed the issue.

Who has been your standout signing and where do you still need to strengthen?

We need a striker. I know we have signed Armando Broja but he's not available yet due to poor fitness which is frustrating, but if he picks up a knock - and admittedly his injury record isn't great - then we're back to square one.

As for standout signing it's difficult to say this stage - but I am looking forward to seeing Lesley Ugachukwu in action in our midfield.

When managing in the Premier League previously, Scott Parker really struggled with Fulham and Bournemouth. Do you think he'll fare any better at Turf Moor?

Hopefully better, and I would like to think he's learned from his previous stints as a PL manager. There's no denying he did very well as a manager last season, to steady the ship after a turbulent season and summer.

Who is Burnley's best player?

Maxime Esteve, affectionately known as Steve by Burnley fans. The best defender in the Championship last season and a player that will be able to make the step up.

Which Sunderland players worry you the most?

I don't know an awful lot about the majority of your new lads and haven't seen too much of them so I'm going to go for some more established Sunderland players and that's Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda. Two big fast and powerful strikers - would love either of them at Turf Moor.

What's your score prediction for the game?

I'm going for a tight 1-0 Burnley win. I think the game will play out in similar fashion to both games last season - close encounters where you let us have the ball and hit us in transition. Hopefully this time we can come out on top. The good news for you is that James Trafford won't be on penalty saving duties!

Finally, where do you think we'll both finish this campaign?

I still think it's going to be difficult for us both to stay up, despite the start that you had. Nothing is decided on gameweek one, and this includes Leeds too. I have all three of us down at this stage still, but Brentford and Wolves both looked poor so it's fair to say there's a chance this year that some of the promoted clubs could stay up.