Strengths:
Continuity - Burnley have signed six players, but I'm not sure too many of them will start, and instead I think will play a fairly similar side. This means that they will need very little time to gel and will be able to hit the ground running quickly, which may give them an advantage early on. Don't be too surprised if they pull off a few big results very early in the season.
Solidity - Burnley's defence was absolutely terrific last season and was a major factor in their success. Playing 4-4-2 helps defensively, due to the famed 'two banks of four' which are typically very hard to break down. The players will already know each others play style and will work well as a unit, making them extremely difficult to beat. I actually think Burnley will stay up, because I don't think they'll concede too many goals, but in Ings they have a goalscorer.
Danny Ings - Ings was lauded often during their successful Championship season and it's easy to see why. A multitude of goals and a key creative force as well, Ings provides pace, hard work and a natural eye for goal. With Vokes as the foil, Ings could easily grab the goals which keep Burnley up. Ings isn't their only route to goal however - Vokes has proven his worth too and with the quality of Trippier's crossing from deep this could come in very handy. New signing Lukas Jutkiewicz may also benefit from the dynamic wing play.
Weaknesses:
League Inexperience - Many of Burnley's players have little to no experience of playing in the top league. This experience can be utterly invaluable especially in relegation scraps, which Burnley may find themselves in.
Lack of Investment - It's no secret that investment can bring better players and that's why the top clubs usually spend the most. Burnley have barely spent anything which may be their downfall, as they may have a perceived lack of quality. However, Sean Dyche is very adept at finding free transfers and getting the best out of them, so this may help Burnley to survive.
Signings:
Michael Kightly - I'm a big fan of Kightly. He's a very direct winger who loves to beat a man and has an eye for goal as well. He has some Premier League experience with Stoke and Wolves too and has proven to be a very decent player for a mid-to-lower half Premier League team. Kightly seems to be a very good signing for Burnley.
Lukas Jutkiewicz - Big, strong and a capable footballer, Jutkiewicz seems to have all the tools to make it as a top level forward but has never quite fulfilled his potential. However, on his day Jutkiewicz is a problem for any defence and as a back-up or maybe even a starter striker to play alongside Ings, Jutkiewicz seems to also be a very astute signing.
Steven Reid - This seems to be a strange signing, as Reid has well-documented injury problems. He is experienced and very talented which are huge bonuses, but he is hampered by injuries and plays in a position where Burnley already have a very good first choice. We shall see if this proves to be a good signing, but I'm unconvinced.
Marvin Sordell - Extremely quick and a decent finisher, Sordell showed huge promise from an early age that seemed to wane, but he still has ability and may be a very useful asset for Burnley if they can utilise his pace and skill. This could be a masterstroke but it may be a poor move, only time will tell.
Matt Gilks - Gilks is a very solid goalkeeper whether he is first choice or not. I suspect that Heaton will be first choice, however Gilks is a very solid replacement if needed. Seems a decent signing also.
Matt Taylor - A hugely proficient technical player, who has always lacked the pace to make it at the top level. However, Taylor is very capable of providing goals and assists for his team and every goal is precious at the foot of the table. Taylor may be inconsistent but he can be a match winner.
Who They Should Sign:
Experienced, quality Premier League footballers - Burnley don't have one particular area where they are weak like most teams, or at least not one that is glaringly obvious. A central midfielder may be useful as their midfield does look a little devoid of quality, but Dyche has built a squad that play as a unit, so to pick certain players that are weak seems very harsh.
Final Thoughts
I believe Burnley will surprise a few people and stay up. They have a very solid defence, an extremely good manager and a natural goalscorer which may all be huge factors in their success. They will play as a unit and be a very efficient team that whilst defensively solid will also be a threat going forward.
Burnley may struggle to hold onto possession with their system, as playing four in midfield may not work in their favour against possession-orientated teams, such as Everton and Arsenal. They have the option to play five if they need to, but this would severely hamper their attacking threat. However, a similar system worked for Atletico Madrid spectacularly last season so this is not to say that possession is a key factor in success.
Burnley may have one of if not the cheapest squad in the league, but money is not the be-all and end-all of quality. Organisation and desire can go a long way, which Burnley have in abundance. I think Burnley will finish around 15th - but I may be miles off.
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