Dyche says Burnley are aware of challenge ahead and eager to tackle their tough task

Burnley were the surprise package in the Championship promotion race last season and earned their spot in the top flight by finishing second in the division.

The Clarets inevitably have been tipped to go straight back down, the same fate that befell them in their only other Premier League season in 2009-10.

Dyche fully accepts his side are not competing on a level playing field, but said: “We’re as ready as we can be.

“We’ve had a decent pre-season. The players have come through fit and well mostly.

“We had a few scary ones early into pre-season but they were only minor things that players got over quickly. That’s important. We’re working with a low number at the moment, particularly compared to the norm in the Premier League.

“We’re not naive, we understand the challenges and understand some of the powerful clubs that are out there and some of the players that are out there.”

While Mourinho could give competitive debuts to Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas, Dyche has brought in the likes of Steven Reid, Matt Taylor and Lukas Jutkiewicz.

“Who do you get in the Premier League who you think’s going to be an easy one? I don’t think there is such a thing,” said Dyche.