Erik Pieters cannot explain Burnley’s poor form at Turf Moor

Burnley left-back Erik Pieters admits he is at a loss to explain the Clarets’ dismal home record that is hampering their efforts to pull clear of relegation trouble.

Saturday’s critical clash against fellow strugglers Watford ended in a goalless draw, meaning Sean Dyche’s side have won just one of their last 18 league matches at Turf Moor – the 3-1 victory over Brentford in October which is their only league win home or away this season.

“Someone told me (the stat) a while ago but I am surprised we are struggling to get wins at home,” the Dutchman said. “It’s weird. We are a strong side, especially at home. When they told me I thought, ‘Nah, it can’t be true’, but of course you go back and look and it’s not good.

“We definitely need to work on that. But it’s the Premier League and every single game is different. At this point I don’t care how many points we get at home or away. The main thing is that we get the points.”

Manchester United will be the next visitors on Tuesday night, the first in a daunting run of home fixtures with Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea to follow.

Given the challenges to come, Burnley’s inability to beat a Watford side who had themselves taken only one point from the previous 24 on offer was seen as a major setback in their bid to avoid the drop.

Though they are still only three points from safety with games in hand, Norwich’s uptick in form and Newcastle’s major January investment have put the pressure on, while Burnley’s wait for another victory goes on.

“It’s difficult but we know we have a really experienced group, a group that’s really together,” Pieters added. “Everyone wants to work together. I don’t see any problem in us facing that battle.

“But you have to show it on the pitch in the