CLARETS midfielder Scott Arfield has called on Burnley fans to make Turf Moor a fortress once again as they face up to a run of fixtures that sees three successive home games against sides in the top six.

Champions Manchester City visit tomorrow, before Champions League hopefuls Tottenham and Arsenal are in East Lancashire in April.

MORE TOP STORIES:

With 10 games to go, five of which are at home, the Clarets are 19th in the Premier League, three points adrift of safety, and Arfield believes the backing of the supporters could help make Turf Moor an intimidating place to visit over the final couple of months of the season.

Burnley were beaten at home just twice in 23 league games last season, and while life in the Premier League was always going to be tougher, a return of three wins from 14 hasn’t been good enough.

"Home form is massive,” said Arfield. “With the fans behind us last season it was a bit of a fortress at times, people didn't want to come and play against us, and we need to get back to that.

"The fans have been different class and we need to get more wins at home.”

The 26-year-old, who has recently moved infield to replace Dean Marney following his cruciate knee ligament injury, is relishing this run of games, that also includes a visit to Southampton, despite Burnley’s precarious league position.

"A lot has been made of the fixtures we've had, but you need to play them at some point, it's what we signed up for last season, it's brilliant to get a taste of it, and once you do, you want to stay here,” said the 26-year-old.

"It's kind of easier to get up for games against the City’s, United’s, Liverpool’s, they are the games you look forward to, every game is enjoyable in this division, but you want to get on the ball and show what you can do against the big boys.

"They are all world class international calibre players and we're under no illusions.”

Boss Sean Dyche has also called on the fans to continue their backing over the final 10 fixtures.

He thanked the support for the patience they have shown his side and added that the players were going to need that during the Premier League run-in.

“At this level we all want a good home record but it’s hard to come by,” he said. “In the Championship ours was outstanding.

“I think the fans have been incredible. I asked for patience when I first got here, that didn’t come, when we sold Charlie Austin I asked for patience again, that did come.

“From then on they’ve been brilliant. They’ve given the players a chance to play and given us a chance to be successful.

“They’ve been very realistic with the honesty of the club and the honesty of myself.

“They’re enjoying it, they’re not used to losing, but I think they get it.

“I think there’s a balanced view and long may that continue because we will need them, we will need that energy and support right down to the last ball is kicked.”