Newly promoted Burnley were handed clashes with champions Manchester United, Liverpool and fellow title challengers Chelsea all in the opening weeks of the 2009/2010 Barclays Premier League season. "What a fantastic start to have. It does not come any tougher and we are under no illusions about how difficult it will be," Clarets boss Owen Coyle said on Sky Sports News.

"But it is fantastic that we are even talking about it in same breath as Burnley Football Club and we aim to make the most of it.

"We know what it is about and we will be ready to give it our best."

After such a long wait for a chance to take on the best England has to offer, Coyle feels the Clarets passionate fans can make a difference.

"I think we are the smallest town ever to play in the Premier League - when Manchester United play at home there's more people at Old Trafford than in the whole town. So we know how big the gap is, but it is a challenge we are looking forward to," he said.

"We had a terrific home record last season and we have seen with the season tickets the level of expectation already.

"The fans played a part last year and we hope that continues - it is a terrific footballing environment to come in to and there is a tremendous tradition at Burnley.

"I think the atmosphere at the club is conducive to that and on the back of that we want to try and pick up some points.

"I am sure we are everyone's favourite already to be relegated and as the underdogs that sits well with us," he said.