Kevin Phillips: Burnley face a long season as Turf Moor loses its fear factor

Kevin Phillips believes Burnley are facing a difficult campaign ahead after a disappointing start to life back in the Championship, with opponents increasingly relishing trips to Turf Moor.

The Clarets were among the favourites for promotion this season following their relegation from the Premier League.

However, they have struggled to meet expectations, with last week’s 2-1 defeat to Wolves extending their wait for a home league win to a year.

Their only three points of the season so far came in an emphatic 4-0 away victory over fellow strugglers Watford, one of the few positives in a campaign that has seen them languish in the bottom three for much of the time.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed EFL news you need, subscribe to The Football League Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

WATCH THE LATEST FOOTBALL LEAGUE PAPER PODCAST HERE

You can now listen to the The FLP Podcast on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Clarets in trouble

Phillips admits he has been surprised by Burnley’s struggles and believes the growing confidence of visiting teams is making life increasingly difficult for Nicky Hayen’s side.

“It’s a tough place to go, Burnley, and now teams look forward to going there; they feel like they can get results,” the former Sunderland and England international striker told BestBettingSites.co.uk.

“They’re not getting the rub of the green; they’re having a tough time.

“So it’s going to be a real long, long season for them.”

Burnley’s poor run has also brought scrutiny on head coach Hayen, with supporters growing increasingly frustrated by the team’s performances.

After 11 games, the Lancashire outfit have managed just eight points, leaving them in the relegation zone ahead of a trip to Lincoln City.

“In terms of the manager, of course, Nicky Hayen is under pressure,” Phillips added.

“I’m sure the fans are not happy with what they’re seeing, and at times they’ve made themselves known.

“So again, we’re talking about it, the media will be talking about it, so the pressure’s on, and the manager will know that.

“If he doesn’t get results, it’s a big club, and eventually something will happen.

“So he needs to get results as quickly as he can.”

Blues eye promotion

While Burnley have struggled to find their feet, Birmingham City, meanwhile, are building momentum after a slower start to the season.

Chris Davies’ side have won four of their last five Championship games, including victories over Preston North End and QPR, as well as a derby success against West Bromwich Albion.

Phillips believes Birmingham are emerging as genuine promotion contenders and has tipped them to secure a play-off place.

“I said earlier that they are one of my surprise teams,” he said.

“I just think Blues without expectation, sometimes they start well and don’t continue, but I think they’ve started slowly and really grown into the season.

“They’re getting players back fit; they look like a solid squad in depth.

“And with that crowd behind them, it’s a tough place to go, St Andrew’s, and their travelling fans really, really help as well.

“So yeah, I think hopefully, potentially, this could be the season where they really go all the way.

“Whether it’s top two, I’m not sure, but certainly the play-offs, because they’re more than capable of doing that.”

Kevin Phillips’ comments were made in an exclusive interview for BestBettingSites.co.uk.

READ MORE: Tony Pulis: James Morrison is doing a ‘fantastic’ job at West Brom