Lancashire

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Burnley boss Scott Parker has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Tottenham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Parker confirmed there were "no new injury concerns", adding: "We have had a good pre-season. Picked up a couple of little niggles along the way but we are in a good place."

• He feels it has been "positive" and "crucial" bringing in players with Premier League experience, stating: "For the balance of the squad going into the season, we have signed players who have been in the division and understand what it looks like. It's a young squad, last year it was and this year it is, a young squad in terms of being in this league, but these players we have brought in are crucial for us."

• The Burnley boss acknowledged there are "areas we are looking at" but that "transfer windows bring their challenges" and there are "lots of factors and variables" that go into who they can sign. He added: "We have a big squad at the moment so no doubt some will be leaving, but over the next two weeks we will be trying to do more [business]."

• On trying to establish the club back in the Premier League: "The challenges for teams coming up is big. It has been well documented in recent years that they are very demanding challenges. But, we worked tirelessly for this past year. I feel like we built something fundamental in this group that is a bedrock for us and put us in this position. We are going to try and give the best version of ourselves."

• Parker said in an "ideal world you don't want a big turnover of players" but that is what relegations and promotions can bring. He added: "That is the constant rollercoaster. In an ideal world you don't want that and you want continuity. But what gets that is securing Premier League football and staying there. My job is to get the best out of players, build on what we had from last year and build culture for what is expected of new players coming in."

• On their readiness for the season: "We are in a good place. We have worked hard. I've put lots of demands on the team. But, you never know in this position until the season starts [how ready you are], and when it gets going you are always improving."

Catch up on all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has offered up his annual predictions:

20) Burnley

Last season: Second in Championship

Burnley, like Sunderland, have been making it clear they have no intention of suffering the joyless, timid, instant return to the Championship they experienced under Vincent Kompany, after Scott Parker brought them back up last season.

The Clarets have been busy bringing new faces to Turf Moor, although the departure of James Trafford to Manchester City after keeping 29 clean sheets in the Championship last season will be felt. He has been replaced by the experienced Martin Dubravka from Newcastle United.

Parker will look to veteran England defender Kyle Walker to give his team top-flight know-how, while all fingers will be crossed that injury plagued but unquestionably talented striker Armando Broja can stay fit after his £20m arrival from Chelsea. Much will depend on him.

Burnley also believe they have pulled off a coup with the signing of another Chelsea player - French midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu. The 21-year-old has joined in a £20m deal.

It is a bold strategy but will it be enough to keep Burnley up? I have my doubts.

Read the full piece

Image source, Getty Images

The draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup has been made.

The EFL Cup remains regionalised in the early rounds, with the draw split into Northern and Southern sections until round three.

Here are the ties involving Premier League clubs:

Northern section

Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United

Burnley v Derby County

Everton v Mansfield Town

Grimsby Town v Manchester United

Sunderland v Huddersfield Town

Southern section

Bournemouth v Brentford

Fulham v Bristol City

Oxford United v Brighton

Wolves v West Ham United

The 23 second-round ties will take place during the week beginning 25 August.

See the full draw over here

Have you got a question about Burnley or is there a topic you want more information on? Have you spotted a Clarets theme or trend that needs further investigation?

Well, this season we're making it easier for you to get in touch and ask - and we will do our best to use our expertise here at BBC Sport to give you direct answers.

Our team can call upon a network of contacts - including our reporters, pundits and other experts - to find out everything you need to know.

No question is too big or too small, so fire away using the link below and we will answer the best of them throughout the campaign.

Ask about Burnley here

And find out more about BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything service here

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom was full of praise for his side as they put their name in the hat for the second round draw following a 1-0 EFL Cup win over League Two Barrow.

It was Preston's first win of the season after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Queens Park Rangers in their opening Championship game.

Saturday sees them host newly-relegated Leicester City (15:00 BST) who scored a late winner to beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 in their opening fixture.

"We spoke a lot about last season, there were a lot of good performances that didn't end up in win, the only way to put the game to bed is taking those chances," Heckingbottsom told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"When we had the bodies last season, our bench was really effective, we know how important that is going to be."

Listen to the full interview and more on BBC Sounds.