THEY have beaten five Premier League teams and two of the top three sides in the Championship this season, but it is Burnley’s results against the teams below them in the table that will determine whether they eventually make the play-offs.

The Clarets can rightly claim to be among the best six sides in the Championship when it comes to ability.

Their youthful players have proved beyond doubt what they are capable of in exceptional cup triumphs over Fulham, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion.

Add in league wins against leaders Wolves and third-placed Reading, and it is clear that they possess the talent to raise their game in the most difficult of fixtures.

That is a commodity that could prove invaluable should they reach the play-offs, but first they have to get there.

Currently, they are eighth in the table – even if they remain just one point away from fourth.

Tomorrow, Sheffield Wednesday visit Turf Moor in a match that revives disturbing memories of a 4-1 loss at Hillsborough on the opening day of the season.

Wednesday will face a much improved outfit this time, but the fact that the visitors are currently four places and seven points behind Burnley will do little to encourage Clarets fans. They have good reason to feel that way.

Consider the facts. Of the 11 matches Burnley have played this season against the current top seven, they have impressively won five, drawn three and lost just three.

But when it comes to games against teams currently below them in the table, they have won just nine of 23 matches, drawing seven and losing seven.

On Saturday, they were held to a 1-1 draw at relegation-threatened Norwich and could even have lost.

Four days earlier, they needed a late equaliser from Chris Eagles to rescue a point at home to Coventry City, while a 3-0 loss at Watford last month still lurks in the short-term memory.

The competitive nature of the Championship means that Burnley have never been able to expect a cakewalk against sides in the lower reaches of the table - a fact they are more than aware of.

But a top six finish is dependent on the Clarets developing a ruthless streak against teams below them in the ladder in the final 12 matches of the league season.

When they line up against the likes of Nottingham Forest and Plymouth Argyle, they must approach it will all the determination they unleashed on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

After Sheffield Wednesday, Coyle’s side travel to Blackpool and further winnable games lie ahead.

Those winnable games must be won, because too many draws and the Clarets risk being edged out of the play-off picture.

In a season that started with few Burnley fans dreaming of the top six, no-one could be disappointed if they missed out on the play-offs because they were not quite good enough or rich enough.

But to prove they can beat the best, yet slip up against the rest, would leave regrets that could haunt Burnley for some time.

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