THE clash between Burnley and Hull City tomorrow pits the Clarets against a team who made a similarly impressive start to their first ever top-flight season last year.

Wins at Arsenal and Tottenham were the stand-out moments as Hull hit the ground running after their 2008 Coca-Cola Championship play-off success, and Coyle’s side have upset Manchester United and Everton in a fine start at Turf Moor.

”After 10 games (last season), we had 20 points,” City manager Phil Brown recalled.

“After 10 games they’ve got 12 points - references or parallels are entirely for you (the media) to make.

"We had a tremendous start last season, that’s the reason we are playing Premier League football now.

”It’s a tough game, I think Coyley’s surprised everybody by winning as many games as he has done so far, certainly at home.

”The surprise package of the Premier League at this moment in time is Burnley Football Club - their home form, certainly against the likes of Everton and Manchester United, was not expected to say the least.

”Maybe the defeat last Saturday against Wigan has had an adverse effect on them and we will go to Turf Moor to try to exploit that.

”It’s going to be a tough venue to go to but it’s one where, if we go fully prepared, we can win the game.

”That’s all the players are paid to do - we’ve seen on the training ground that there are some bright, lively players wanting to put their case forward to play.

”The reason why it’s a big game is because it’s the next three points, I’ve made reference to that since I’ve been here.

"It’s a big game simply because it is the next game.

”As a manager your position’s always strengthened by results, and that’s what we’re aiming for.”