Burnley manager Sean Dyche (Getty Images)
After winning just 1 of the opening 6 games in the Premier League, Sean Dyche’s Burnley were struggling at the wrong end of the points table. They managed to find some form and get past Norwich City with a brace from frontman Chris Wood and followed it up with a draw and win against Aston Villa and Everton.
Dyche has stuck to his traditional 4-4-2 formation with veteran Ashley Barnes leading the attack alongside Chris Wood.
The duo have contributed 12 of the 20 goals scored by Burnley this term. The Clarets signed Matej Vydra and got back Jay Rodriguez but neither have managed to challenge Wood and Barnes for a spot in the playing XI.
Dyche is short of striking options and come January, spending money on goal scorers must be his top priority. In McNeil, Lennon and Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson, the Clarets have speedy wingers who can create ample chances for the frontmen.
Barnes and Wood are, by no means, bad players but neither of them is quick. Being a mid-table side, Burnley have always managed to churn out draws and wins and stay up since their readmission into the Premier League. However, the absence of an out-and-out goal-scorer is fast becoming an issue for them.
Thus, the Clarets must contemplate signing a proven striker in the transfer window.
Another area of concern for Dyche is the defensive unit. Ben Mee and James Tarkowski have been pillars at the back but Ben Gibson has failed to make a mark. Burnley tried to sign Gary Cahill for free in summer, according to The Sun, but the England international joined Crystal Palace.
Also, reports state that Burnley are interested in signing Middlesbrough centre-back Nathan Wood. Although young, Wood has impressed for various clubs and a move to the Premier League would do wonders for him.
Come January, Burnley should mainly invest in strikers, as they are heavily reliant on Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood. A backup defender to Mee and Tarkowski should also be on Sean Dyche’s mind as he prepares for another mid-table fight.