An Optimistic Approach

Rickers Twickers provides his positive, optimistic view on how he sees the rest of the season panning out for the Clarets and provides his own match predictions:

Looking ahead to the rest of the season is always a tricky exercise doomed to failure but, with seven points from the last three games and another unbeaten run starting to take shape, Clarets fans are entitled to be sporting optimistic outlooks again.

A victory against league leaders Wolves has boosted Burnley`s play-off hopes which, after a disappointing start to the New Year, are now well and truly back on track. With FA Cup fantasies still very much alive there is no sign of concentrating on the league either. Manager Owen Coyle`s refreshing attitude appears to be to try and win every game and he has urged his team to have no regrets as the season unfolds.

No-one really knows how the campaign will unfold which, of course, is what makes football so fascinating but let`s give it a try and boldly estimate how many points Burnley will glean from the final 14 games.

Fixtures are taken in current running order:

Coventry ( h ) : both sides with one eye on the Cup. Home win ( 3 )

Norwich ( a ) : Canaries destined for the drop and playing for their lives. Tight away win ( 3 )

Sheff Wed ( h ) : Roses battle. Can Burnley avenge their opening day collapse? No. Draw ( 1 )

Blackpool (a ) : Donkeys lashed in early March local derby marred by controversy ( 1 )

Ipswich ( a ) : Unhappy hunting ground and usual penalty for Tractor Boys gives them lucky win ( 0)

Crystal Palace ( h ) : Warnock`s men given a beating. Easy home win ( 3 )

Forest ( h ) : Billy Davies fires up his Tricky Trees and gains a well-earned point ( 1 )

Plymouth ( a ) : Lengthy trip is worth the effort as a late strike seals a 2-0 away victory (3 )

Derby ( a ) : The Rams pushing towards mid-table and settle for a draw ( 1 )

QPR ( h ) : This season`s regular opponents and familiarity breeds a share of the spoils ( 1 )

Cardiff ( a ) : No Easter parade for The Clarets ( 0 )

Sheffield Utd ( h ) : Both sides pushing for a play-off berth so narrow home win in feisty affair ( 3 )

Southampton ( a ) : Saints marching down the leagues and Clarets too strong ( 3 )

Bristol C ( h ) : Tight contest ( 1 )

That gives us, if the old calculator is working properly, 74 points and if we do reach those heady heights a play-off place should be assured and provide due reward for what has been, thus far, a marvellous season.

Rickers Twickers