IN A SPECIAL opposition view, who better to give us the lowdown on the Clarets than TV weatherman and loyal Burnley fan JOHN KETTLEY? We also asked him for a weather forecast, naturally...
What do you make of Burnley's start to the season?
It's been quite predictable really. Of course we have had a tough start against Chelsea and Manchester United and no one would have thought Swansea away would have been easy. I've been on a cruise so I saw the games on the ship. Of course Chelsea are a class act and although Manchester United aren't such a class act anymore that was a great performance. I've been a fan long enough to know that if you keep putting the effort in you'll eventually get your rewards.
What makes Sean Dyche such a good manager?
When he first was appointed I was nonplussed because he was sacked at Watford. But the proof of the pudding is in results and, although some people talk about Danny Ings, we don't really have any star individuals in the team. Dyche reminds me of Brian Clough in many ways because he builds from the back and doesn't have any stars. Brian Clough was always the star and his teams were always solid.
Which player(s) should Palace be looking out for?
I like Scott Arfield. He runs about a lot and is what we would have called midfield dynamo in my day. You couldn't run about at Burnley in the old days because it used to be all mud. Lukas Jutkiewicz looks good as well and we still have Sam Vokes and Ross Wallace to come back who are both good players.
What are your memories of previous trips to Selhurst Park?
I've only been to Selhurst Park once and it was just after Sainsbury's was built for an FA Cup match which ended 0-0. It wasn't one to write home about.
How do you see this weekend's game panning out?
I think it's got draw written all over it and I can't see there being many goals. I'm going for 1-1 because both teams have probably got one goal in them. I could see us nicking it though, that would be nice. I haven't got a ticket yet though, so if someone could put a good word in for me...
Finally, what's your weather forecast?
It is going to be absolutely fine on the day with temperatures of about 19 to 20 degrees. It will be a bit more brisk but with some sunshine coming through. It's going to be a pleasant autumnal afternoon – for the Burnley fans at least.
