Troy Deeney reveals why Burnley have a better chance over Leeds United of staying up | OneFootball

Both sides will be aiming to consolidate back in the Premier League next season

Troy Deeney believes Burnley's defensive solidity puts them in a stronger position to survive in the Premier League ahead of Leeds United.

Both sides became the first-ever in English football history to accumulate 100 points in a season within the same division, although the Whites' vastly superior goal-difference saw them crowned Championship champions on the final day over Scott Parker's side.

The Clarets have now earned an immediate return to the top-flight in each of their past three stints at second-tier level, having won the title back in 2016 and previously in 2023, although the latter of those two feats also saw them immediately relegated last season under the guidance of Vincent Kompany.

And, whilst a pragmatic approach from Parker this season has at times led to criticism, such is the quality the East Lancashire side possess in forward areas, the former Watford striker believes such a strong defensive record will only benefit them as consolidation becomes the first port of call for the promoted duo.

The gap in quality and finances between those established in the top-flight and newly-promoted outfits has become a major topic of discussion in the past two years, with all the last six teams heading up to the division being immediately relegated without causing those above the trap door to look over their shoulders.

However, this season has seen Burnley smash an array of defensive records, which included a run of 12 consecutive clean sheets and a period of 1,132 minutes without conceding between late December and early March.

Newcastle United target, James Trafford, has also been responsible for 29 of the club's 30 clean sheets this term, which equalled an EFL record set by Port Vale back in 1953/54, conceding just 16 goals across the 46-game campaign.

Therefore, Deeney, who made 165 top-flight appearances, believes such defensive sturdiness could see the Clarets have the edge over Daniel Farke's side in a survival battle, despite reports emerging that the German will have a £150m transfer warchest at his disposal.

"What we've noticed with the teams that have gone up into the Premier League is they've struggled to keep clean sheets,” the 36-year-old told Sky Sports via Burnley Express.

“Burnley, in my opinion, have the best foundation to go and be successful next year," he claimed.

"Yes, they are going to have to add quality because we know the gap is getting bigger each year.

“But for where they are at right now and if you ask me to put my money on who will stay up, I would have to say Burnley over Leeds because they can shut up shop and make sure that they are in games. Most of the games now, people are losing before they even get there," Deeney concluded.

Burnley's defensive solidity may be under threat in the Premier League

Whilst Parker and his rearguard deserve immense credit, as highlighted by the fact Trafford, CJ Egan-Riley and Maxime Esteve all earned places in the Championship Team of the Season, the reality is, they will be immediately under threat due to the calibre of opposition forwards, as well as the fact all three have been linked with moves away.

As previously mentioned, Trafford has been the subject of constant links to Newcastle amid a £30m valuation, whilst Egan-Riley's contract situation at Turf Moor is yet to be resolved as interest from West Ham intensifies and Esteve is valued at a similar figure to that of the Clarets 'keeper amid previous links to Everton, AC Milan and Crystal Palace.

Leeds also have plenty of defensive stars also capable of making the step-up to the Premier League having conceded the second-fewest number of goals all season with 30, as the likes of Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk have all been imperious at the heart of defence.

However, question marks will also be raised if United aren't to be successful in their bid to make the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher a long-term replacement for the under-fire Illan Meslier, who was dropped ahead of the run-in after a series of mishaps.