Burnley defender Michael Keane has labelled Sunderland’s trip to Turf Moor as the ‘big one’.
The 23-year-old is the heartbeat of the Clarets’ defence but he made his Premier League bow under David Moyes after rising through Manchester United’s esteemed academy.
Keane was pivotal in Boxing Day’s victory over Middlesbrough as Sean Dyche’s side kept their fourth clean sheet of the campaign to blunt the Boro.
And the defender is expecting a big test on New Year’s Eve when Sunderland come to town.
“The teams that are going to be around you, they are the big ones when they come to your place,” explained Keane.
“We had a great result against Middlesbrough last time out and we need the same against Sunderland.”
He continued: “We know it’s going to be difficult.
“They’ve got some good players, especially going forward, so we will have to play really well.
“But we have been brilliant at home and if we can keep that up, it will put us in a good position.
“2016 was a brilliant year for Burnley, but 2017 could be even bigger if we stay in the Premier League.”