Watch Burnley vs Manchester City on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League from 2pm, kick-off 2.05pm
Friday 26 April 2019 14:51, UK
Burnley manager Sean Dyche thinks his side have the 'freedom' to give title-chasing Manchester City a real scare on Sunday.
Reigning champions City have a one-point edge in the title race but may need to win all three of their remaining games if they are to keep Liverpool at bay.
And their next challenge is a Sunday trip to Turf Moor to play a Burnley team who have been in excellent form over the second half of the season.
The Clarets secured a creditable 2-2 draw at Chelsea last Monday and, having looked set for a desperate battle against the drop at one point, are now as good as safe - nine points clear of the relegation zone with just three games left and favourable goal difference.
And Dyche said: "[Manchester City] are a top side but they have got the demand of going to win the title.
"We have got a different demand, which is to play well and see the season out in a proper fashion - and that can be a weapon.
"You can't call it being relaxed - you can't relax against City - but I think there is that tiny bit of freedom.
"It is all about them [on Sunday], but it's not for us.
"We want to take on the game, we want to win a game. We want to prove that we can challenge the elite end of the market.
"A big challenge but one we look forward to taking on."
Dyche is delighted with his club's efforts in recent months, adding: "Very pleasing and a reward for a very strong second half of the season, which we want to continue of course.
"The players deserve a lot of credit, 28 points out of 16 games is a massive return, when you only got 12 out of 19 at the start of the season.
"I think we have outscored Tottenham, Chelsea and Man United in those games, so we have done it by scoring goals."
However, Dyche thinks it is at the other end of the pitch where Burnley will need to be at their best against City.
Asked how his team could beat the champions, he said: "You have to defend well.
"The stats show they have more possession, they have more productive possession, so you have to defend well as a team.
"I think we can, I think we have done, especially since the turn.
"And you have to take your chances, because you don't always get that many against the elite."
