Burnley boss Sean Dyche has vowed to ensure that title-chasing Manchester City will not get 'a walk in the park' when they take on his side at Turf Moor on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola brings his men across Lancashire for the first of three remaining games and, should Liverpool overcome Huddersfield on Friday night, will know that only a win will put City back on top. Anything less will put the destiny of the title in the Merseyside club's hands.
After a poor start, Dyche's side have picked up 28 points from their last 16 matches to banish the threat of relegation and the Clarets boss has vowed to make it difficult for the Spaniard and his side.
'Their approach will be of a serious nature,' said Dyche. 'I don't know Pep Guardiola but I would imagine he's learned there's no walk in the park in the Premier League - there's no naivety. They won't be coming to Turf Moor expecting a walk in the park and we won't allow them that.'
Burnley's resurgence has seen them score more goals in those 16 matches than the likes of Tottenham and Chelsea. And Dyche took a swipe at those who claim his tactics are negative. 'It's not been trying to fight our way out of it - we've scored our way out of it,' he said.
Burnley took a point from Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday, have drawn at Old Trafford and have beaten Spurs at home. Such form will give Liverpool manager hope that they can stop City from picking up three points and virtually place the title in the Merseyside club's hands.
'We've been close with a lot of the big sides,' said Dyche. 'They (City) are a top side. You have to be on top of your performance levels. You need the odd bit of luck, you might need a decision but you have to focus on performance.'
The pressure on City will be considerable and Dyche believes Burnley can use that to their own advantage.
'They have the demand to win the title, while we have a different one,' he said. 'That can be a weapon - you can't relax but there's a tiny bit of freedom because it is about them. We want to win and prove we can at least challenge the elite. The top six this season are miles in front. It's a big challenge and it's one we look forward to.'
In a tongue-in-cheek attempt at inspiring Burnley, a number of Liverpool supporters have made Clarets striker Ashley Barnes their profile picture on Twitter. Dyche, however, was unimpressed. 'I'm absolutely sure that doesn't win you a game,' he joked.
'If it does - I'd do it myself! I think the performance is what would make us win the game.' He added that he was not an active user of social media but did keep an eye on it.
'People suggest I'm not into social media absolutely wrong,' he said. 'I'm not against it - I just don't use it. I'm sure at some point I will but I don't really have a clue.'
yuyeimu
0
first was spurs ,then man u, today Burnley, next week Leicester city ...I think Liverpool is more desperate to win league than city ..the pain of playing second fiddle... don't drop 7 points lead u see now yourself failed to beat city but expect Burnley to do it is same as wishful thinking
bro remember that you may get chocked when you devour food when hungry
yuyeimu
1
Amen. Beat them and you have my vote as The Manager of the Season.
dude in Allah we trust and for that reason we always bow our heads seeking for his mercy and grace...oh Allah you've made us successful in many games make Liverpool both European and English champions
huebdlrz
0
it's only a fool that places his Hope in man, that's exactly what Liverpool is. they are counting on Burnley when they couldn't do it. As long as GOD lives. man city shall prevail.
ak3000
1
Amen. Beat them and you have my vote as The Manager of the Season.
Barcamessi2011
0
Still have less looses than your club
in the end titles matters than winning games so of u go trophy less then even huddles field with less budget is better off than u
adembutajira
0
aguero will score hatrick and sterling brace ,bernando 1 goal 0-6 for city
UsuiTakumi99
0
U ppl are so stupid speaking as if city isn't the best team in England, city have every thing to beat any team so why are u haters talking as if its not possible... Liverpool is seeking assistance and this stupid manager just speaking rubbish, ofc u gona fight n that's when you will be crushed
Where are you in the CL?
UsuiTakumi99
0
first was spurs ,then man u, today Burnley, next week Leicester city ...I think Liverpool is more desperate to win league than city ..the pain of playing second fiddle... don't drop 7 points lead u see now yourself failed to beat city but expect Burnley to do it is same as wishful thinking
Still have less looses than your club
iruan_evo9
0
Sometimes its easy to say u can beat any top 3 teams in Epl.It depends on Burnleys luck at their homeground.City maybe out of UCL but now they are hungry and have more rest and more play.
Barcamessi2011
0
first was spurs ,then man u, today Burnley, next week Leicester city ...I think Liverpool is more desperate to win league than city ..the pain of playing second fiddle... don't drop 7 points lead u see now yourself failed to beat city but expect Burnley to do it is same as wishful thinking
ManCityFanForever
0
guy in saah Allah u are going to lose if Allah permitted
And Allah SWT is with us
tebabelp
1
U ppl are so stupid speaking as if city isn't the best team in England, city have every thing to beat any team so why are u haters talking as if its not possible... Liverpool is seeking assistance and this stupid manager just speaking rubbish, ofc u gona fight n that's when you will be crushed
assubaba
0
guy in saah Allah u are going to lose if Allah permitted
We are all with Allah so he 'll give it to the one he wish it for.
assubaba
0
guy in saah Allah u are going to lose if Allah permitted
brother We are all with Allah so he 'll give it to only the one he wish for it for.
libekmst
0
Stop pretending to liverpool fans like u can stop City from Firing you. They gonna burn you both with your Turf Moor.🔥🔥😀💙💪
guy in saah Allah u are going to lose if Allah permitted
hepclm
0
Leicester will win city for Liverpool I’m leicester fans I want Liverpool to win and we want Europe next session sorry city but we will singing very strong for Leicester
assubaba
2
Stop pretending to liverpool fans like u can stop City from Firing you. They gonna burn you both with your Turf Moor.🔥🔥😀💙💪
ELDER GODWIN
2
We will burn them
Fimacknptz
1
just be ready to take 5 zero after running your mouth
seddimp
0
Of course Burnley will go for it. What team wouldn't want to be remembered for derailing the title bid? So will Leicester.
and so will Huddersfield and more so wolves!!!
touadkosy
2
city football
merphy
1
we accept the challenge
Koyackmory
2
Dyche, calm down. This is the end of the season. I know your team will try, Manchester city will prevail. Manchester city 3 Burnley 1.
cmzara
0
Sean Dyche, Brendan Rodgers or Chris Hughton could become Liverpool legends, forever.
Angelnaby
0
Of course Burnley will go for it. What team wouldn't want to be remembered for derailing the title bid? So will Leicester.
loveme
0
Burnley plays a very physical game .
Lidroids
0
Isn't dyche a red?
Masonbill
0
Time wasting, ant football and malicious fouls await you City. Be careful.
Theodosis
0
"We'll be looking to fight for everything we can get and to win the game."
marddia
0
If Burnley wins against City, I'll eat a worm in Dyche's honour
Rockmans
1
I'm a City fan and I certainly don't think this game will be easy.
Joshuaon
0
Get ready for time wasting from minute one.
Carolme
0
Dyche on Liverpool fans changing social media avatars to Ashley Barnes: “I am absolutely sure that doesn’t win you a game.”
Mutuamente
0
Burnley F.C. The great entertainers. lol.
wanzs
0
It won't be a walk in the park - as the quality of pitches in a park is better than turf moor - he's got a point!
Joshuaon
0
Great for the neutral. Two very good teams in Manchester City and Liverpool.
Villa’s_Holte_End
1
Ginger Mourinho our to spoil parties
Shadownet
2
We'll talk after the final whistle [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
IshSwd
1
You dealing with wrong people this time... Is CITIZENS we're talking about Baba remember that
weelmpy
1
that's what they said before every match ... this bitches like bitching .....
Edoo87
1
good luck for you
Manchesterisblue
2
sorry we are not utd,spurs or chelsea..pep knows what he's gonna do when it comes to winning mentalities,we will keep that epl trophy..
jotacinru
1
it's not Chelsea. Pep is greatest coach.if u park a bus.l m sorry. u will be a walk over.Pep use four by four attacking sane and Sterling then Bernardo and Ageruo .this a win.to City.
Wedbeipuy
2
It's city not Chelsea