BURNLEY might have lost their two visits to the Etihad Stadium by a combined scoreline of 7-1, but the Clarets troubled Manchester City at times last term.

While the game at Turf Moor finished level, Burnley were beaten 3-0 in the Premier League at the Etihad, but had thwarted Pep Guardiola's side for half an hour until a controversial penalty decision allowed Sergio Aguero to open the scoring.

Then in the FA Cup third round tie early in January Ashley Barnes fired the Clarets ahead, a lead they held on to for just over half an hour until two goals in three minutes turned the game on its head.

Sean Dyche won't be spending too much time before the game looking back at the events of last season, but he is keen to see his side stay competitive against the Premier League's big beasts.

"You don’t reflect too much on the past, but we know how good they are, you don’t have to tell your players too much about what a good side they are," the Clarets chief said.

"We go into these games open minded, we know the challenge, the stats, the good side they are, the players know that.

"We add some depth to that but we’ve got to go out and take on the game which we have done and that’s been a big marker for us. There’s only been a couple of blips this season, which I put down to fatigue.

"Over the last couple of seasons we’ve been competitive in every game and that’s a key marker for us, to go there with a competitive mindset."

City failed to win in the Premier League on only six occasions last season, including at Turf Moor, but Dyche feels they will have learnt from the experience of last season.

"They’re more experienced from last season and the way they dealt with last season," he added.

"They will know games like ours are as important as any because at the end of the day it’s still three points.

"It’s easier in a way for us because it’s obvious we have to take on the challenge, you can’t go there and not be up for the challenge because they’re top class, so you have to be on top of your game, that’s our main focus.

"We can’t guarantee results against these sides, but what we can do is look to give a proper performance to affect the game. That’s at least a start."