OWEN Coyle was left in no doubt about how exciting and yet daunting the Premier League will be when he surveyed four of Burnley’s first five opponents – Manchester United, Everton, Chelsea and Liverpool.

The promoted Clarets open their first season in the top flight since 1976 on August 15 with a tricky trip to Stoke, who won 10 of their 19 league games at the Britannia during 2008/09.

Burnley will remain hopeful of a result against opponents who are likely to be among the relegation candidates, but they already know they will have their work cut out in their next four games – against four of the Premier League’s current top five.

Manchester United will be the first ever Premier League visitors to Turf Moor on Tuesday, August 18, before Everton travel to East Lancashire on August 22 – although that match is expected to be put back to the Sunday because of the Toffees’ Europa League commitments.

Then come back-to-back trips to Stamford Bridge and Anfield on August 29 and September 12, which mean Burnley will have to be on top form from the very start if they are to get early points on the board.

But Coyle said: “We’re going to have to be on top form in every game, whether it’s the start, the middle or the end. That’s why it’s brilliant to be talking about that.

“Stoke City away to be begin with, what a tough game for anybody. They showed last season with how they did.

“Then Manchester United at home, Everton at home, and just Chelsea and Liverpool away!

“But it’s absolutely brilliant. Let’s get it going, let’s bring it on and do everything we can to show them we can play a wee bit.

“I think they will be respectful of what we did last year, knowing the quality we have, and we know undoubtedly the quality of those teams.”

The Clarets end their season at home to Carling Cup foes Tottenham on May 9, while Burnley’s first derby against Blackburn Rovers in the top flight for 43 years will take place at Ewood Park on October 17. The return fixture is at Turf Moor on March 27.

“Such is the rivalry between both sets of supporters, they’ll be looking upon those games with immense anticipation,” said Coyle.

“But there’s a lot of games to be played before they come about.”

About Burnley’s tough start, captain Steven Caldwell said: ”We need to try and get as many points on the board as we can, and then we’ve seen off some of the so-called tougher games right at the start.”