Parker on the touchline (Image: PA)
Parker on the touchline (Image: PA)
Burnley were battling with Sunderland for promotion from the Championship last season – but both squads look rather different now.
The Clarets have brought in nine fresh faces this summer including Martin Dubravka and Lesley Ugochukwu, who both made their debuts at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
Sunderland have flexed their financial muscle to land the likes of Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra and Chemsdine Talbi since winning the play-offs.
Clarets chief Scott Parker expects a tough test at Turf Moor but reckons the “structure” of Regis Le Bris’ side will be similar to last season, even though the personnel has changed.
“A good side,” said Parker. “It is a totally different team to the one we faced last year. They have brought in a lot of players and recruited very well.
“I don’t think much has changed in terms of how they play and the structure of their team, but the personnel has changed and they have brought in quality which you can clearly see.
“They are coming off the back of a very good result at home, a good start. But it is our first home game and a team we a familiar with, albeit different personnel. It is a game we are looking forward to.”
Burnley had a tough start at Spurs, losing 3-0 on the road after a quickfire double from Richarlison and Brennan Johnson in the second half.
Despite the result, Parker maintains there were plenty of positives from the performance to build on.
“After a game as a coach, you are analysing what you see live and I always want to reflect watching the game back,” he explained.
“To be honest, my general feeling around the game didn’t change. We got off to a really tough start, that was very clear, and that goal was definitely worthy on their side.
“We managed to get a foothold back in the game and for large parts, up until 60-odd minutes, we were really in the game.
“We created some good opportunities but the fine margins of the Premier League, it’s a world-class finish and at that point it becomes very difficult.
“There were a lot of positives from the game and a lot of learning as well. It is a young squad and for a large amount of them, it is their first time in this environment. They are learning, they are powerful moments for us.”
The Clarets had a tough start at Tottenham
The Clarets had a tough start at Tottenham (Image: PA)
The Clarets have a tough run coming up against the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City, but Parker dismissed claims of a “must win game” at this early stage in the campaign.
“I get that’s the way football is now and I understand it,” he added. “It is our first home game and no matter who we were playing, we would want to go in trying to leave a mark and win the game.
“We are one game in, we were beaten at Spurs and there were a lot of positives. Second game, of course it is a big game and I totally understand that.
“We need to keep improving, give the best version of ourselves and we will go into it fully committed to try and get three points.”
Axel Tuanzebe and Bashir Humphreys are both back in training, while Armando Broja has had a valuable week on the training pitch following his switch from Chelsea.
Parker is eager to get off to a positive start at home and insists the supporters have a huge role to play again this season.
“It is going to be absolutely vital for us this year,” he continued. “I have mentioned it many times, the challenge we have this year, and it has to be one we all embrace as a group.
“The fundamentals of last year were the cohesion, support and togetherness we showed throughout. That got us to the point where we are back in the Premier League and the fans were crucial to that.
“The next challenge for all of us – and I include the fans in that – is what we face now and it will look very different to last year.
“There will be some adversity and bumpy times, but I have no doubt the fanbase can help this young team and all of us.
“They can make the stadium a tough one to come to, spur us on and give us that extra bit when we need it.
“I know they are going to be right behind us, through thick and thin, bad and good. That is exactly what we are going to need this year.”