Sutton's predictions: Burnley v West Hampublished at 11:13 GMT 7 February
11:13 GMT 7 February
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against AI, BBC Sport readers and a variety of guests.
His guest for week 25 is Gladiators star Apollo, real name Alex Gray, who supports Newcastle.
Sutton says: I think Burnley are down but this is their chance to prove me wrong.
They need it to be - they are at home, against a team one place above them in the table, so this is their big chance to end their long wait for a win.
I just don't see it happening for the Clarets, though.
I am not sure which West Ham side will turn up, but they have shown some improvement recently, especially in attack.
I don't think the Hammers will keep a clean sheet because they have had only one all season - the fewest by any top-flight team - but I don't see Burnley beating them.
Burnley v West Ham: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:02 GMT 6 February
19:02 GMT 6 February
Burnley welcome West Ham United to Turf Moor on Saturday (15:00 GMT) in a match of huge importance in the battle to avoid relegation.
Desperate times for Burnley
Fifteen matches without a league win, 11 points from safety and just 14 games remaining. Things are getting desperate for Burnley as they head into a six-pointer with fellow strugglers West Ham.
Monday night's dismal defeat at Sunderland left Scott Parker raging, with the Clarets boss saying they "fell short in terms of a lack of intent in everything we did at times".
One of Parker's biggest concerns is that it is not just at one end of the pitch that they are struggling, it's at both.
Burnley are now responsible for four of the 12 occasions that a team has failed to register a shot on target in a Premier League game this season.
While Martin Dubravka may have made the most saves in the top flight this campaign with 97, he's also conceded more goals than any other goalkeeper with 47.
The loss at the Stadium of Light means they are now just two defeats short of equalling their longest winless run within the same top-flight season of 17, set way back in 1889-90.
They are yet to find the magic formula of how to bridge the gap between the second tier and the top one. Across 100 Premier League games in 2021-22, 2023-24 and this campaign so far, they have won just 15 games and lost 56. That contrasts with 57 wins and just five defeats in 92 Championship matches across 2022-23 and 2024-25.
Hammers ruing Chelsea defeat
West Ham are still licking their wounds after letting a two-goal lead slip to lose against Chelsea. If they had held on for a win it would have been their fourth on the spin in all competitions and would have put the Hammers just three points from safety.
Instead, it marked the seventh time that they've failed to win after opening the scoring this season (D3, L4), while they've also dropped the joint-most amount of points from winning positions in the top flight.
It was also the 21st consecutive league game in which they have failed to keep a clean sheet, the longest such run in Europe's top five leagues.
One source of comfort to Hammers' fans is their excellent recent record against Burnley that has seen them pick up four wins and three draws in their last seven league encounters.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side will be targeting another fast start at Turf Moor. They have scored eight goals in the opening 15 minutes of league games, while opponents Burnley have let in six goals in the opening 10 minutes - both of which are top-flight highs.
Having already lost to Sunderland and Leeds this season, the east Londoners are aiming to avoid losing to all three promoted clubs in a single campaign for the first time since 2009-10. That included a 2-1 defeat away to Burnley.
Before this game kicks off, all eyes will be on Friday's night's clash between 16th-place Leeds United and 17th-place Nottingham Forest at Elland Road.
Parker on momentum, confidence and West Hampublished at 15:09 GMT 6 February
15:09 GMT 6 February
Tyrese King BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Burnley boss Scott Parker has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against West Ham at Turf Moor (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Burnley boss on team news: "No real fresh injuries really. The longer-term boys are still the longer-term boys. James [Ward-Prowse] can't play this weekend due to playing against West Ham, but everyone else is pretty good."
Parker told the media that "harsh words" are not the way "forward" for his "young team" when "confidence is low" because of recent losses and their position in the table.
On it being a huge match: "I think every game is going to be like that for us now. Of course this game is a massive one but we are now at the point of the season where every game is a massive game because of where we sit."
On if winning creates momentum: "Yeah for sure it does, but I'm also conscious that we've been in this position at times this season where you feel as if there is this momentum and then we let ourselves down."
He added: "So let's not worry about the outcome here, but have a clear focus on what we have to be and how we need to go about it."
The former Hammers midfielder also said: "We're in this together and we're going to keep trying to swing."
He added: "Sometimes we'll swing and miss and sometimes it might not just go our way. Sometimes we will let ourselves down, maybe, while of course we endeavour not for that to be the case. But, yeah, we'll stick together."
On West Ham: "They have had a big improvement over the last three or four weeks. They have brought some players in and I think you can see a pick-up in their results. It's probably a different side to the one we faced at the start of the season, but it's going to be a tough game."
'We are already preparing for life in the Championship'published at 12:27 GMT 4 February
12:27 GMT 4 February
Natalie Bromley Fan writer
One player in. One.
A player who is only eligible for 14 games and cannot play our home game this weekend against West Ham. And who Scott Parker did not bring on during our woeful display against Sunderland on Monday.
Do I think that Burnley - a team currently sitting in the relegation zone with just 15 points to their name and 11 points shy of survival - did enough in the transfer window? No, I do not. Do I think they should have at least tried to bring in a player who can get our xG to around one? Yes, I do.
There is one obvious justification for the lack of transfer activity; the Clarets are so bad this season, and so far away from any realistic survival chances, that investing any money on new players is simply throwing good money after bad. Who is going to come to us when are showing such an abject lack of fight or quality?
And the reality is that we need replacements all over the park, with only a couple of players coming out of this season with any credibility.
Martin Dubravka, despite a few errors, has kept us in far more games that we had right to be in. Both Bashir Humphries and Lesley Ugochukwu have shown moments of quality.
The main player - the one we miss so terribly - is Josh Cullen. I could have happily taken all 11 off after that first half against Sunderland and would not have complained about seeing a group of Sunday league players in their place.
I am not sure even three more players would make a difference. So I get the justification for saving our money.
We are already preparing for life in the Championship - again - and it is all just so very predictable and sad.
Paul: Another great response to a disappointing defeat away from home. The players who are back from Afcon were great and we looked strong across the park. A lot said about Burnley being poor, but I believe our high press and intensity in winning the ball contributed to them looking second best.
Mason: A performance full of energy, in contrast to the last match at West Ham. Habib Diarra brought much-needed intensity to the team and some of the football was a joy to watch. If only we had a clinical goal merchant to put away those gilt-edged chances, though Brian Brobbey's hold-up play was excellent. Burnley were poor so it's difficult to judge how good a Sunderland display that was.
Tommo: Amazing night, three goals and a clean sheet. What more is there to say?
David: How refreshing to see midfielders run directly at the opposition, get a shot away and reap the rewards. Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi looked bright on their return and they're forming an immediate connection with the ever-improving beast Brobbey. Another smart day off the pitch and great night on it for the club. The future is bright, the future is red and white.
Burnley fans
Andy: The word for our display was insipid. All season long, there has been no block, poor decisions and no - or little - desire to play and win. There is no fight - they are almost like mercenaries. We don't learn from our mistakes, nor does Scott Parker, and definitely not our useless owners. We are doomed and I think the yo-yo years are over - unless something drastic occurs, it's League One and beyond. After 67 years of support I'm so depressed, thanks to this pathetic display.
Barry: Absolutely woeful. We lack passion as well as quality. Poor signings, or lack of, and questionable tactics are putting us back to where we belong in the Championship. If we don't change things quickly then, sadly, we may not be good enough for that league.
John: Angry that the team has disintegrated to this, but mainly embarrassed.
David: This was a deeply disappointing performance, not just because of the result, but because of how passive and predictable we looked throughout the game. There was a real lack of intensity, both in and out of possession. We never imposed ourselves, never made Sunderland uncomfortable, and for long spells it felt like we were reacting rather than competing. What's most frustrating is the absence of a clear attacking identity, not one attempt on target! We didn't lose fighting, we lost without ever really landing a punch.
Mark: Was a very painful watch for 90 minutes. The team had no fight or even knew what to do. We just let them run the game. Parker should go now - either get sacked or hand in his resignation. We're so poor and he hasn't got the technical tactics for the Premier League. He is as bad as Vincent Kompany was.
Gloom descends on listless displaypublished at 23:13 GMT 2 February
23:13 GMT 2 February
Steve Sutcliffe BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
If one moment summed up a listless Burnley performance it would be, when they were awarded a first-half free-kick midway inside the Sunderland half.
If it was not bad enough that they had conceded a sixth goal inside the opening 10 minutes of a league game this term, Burnley - having loaded the home penalty area with players to attack an expected delivery - instead went short. And they immediately conceded a free-kick in return when Florentino Luis blocked Chemsdine Talbi's attempt to close down the ball outside the box.
Sadly for Burnley supporters it was far from an isolated moment of poor decision-making which contributed to them failing to register a single effort on target.
Nor was it restricted to the way they tried to attack, with their attempts to play out from the back repeatedly inviting pressure and providing Sunderland with several opportunities to increase the margin of their victory.
With the basics of game management sadly lacking, far from leaving the Stadium of Light with hope, Burnley's prospects of Premier League survival appear to be an even gloomier proposition.
Sunderland 3-0 Burnley: What Parker and Walker saidpublished at 22:31 GMT 2 February
22:31 GMT 2 February
Media caption,
'Unacceptable' - Parker fumes at 'passive' Burnley
Burnley manager Scott Parker, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Really disappointed. We come to a tough place tonight, which we knew. We didn't really give ourselves a chance, really. The ingredients you need coming here, the real basics of the game, we fell way short.
"It surprised me. I've probably been here a couple of times this year where they've surprised me coming off the back of some good performances. Maybe it's easy to come out the back of Man Utd, Liverpool and Spurs, but tonight we were way short.
"I didn't see this performance coming, certainly where we've come from in terms of performances and the results we picked up. We were way, way short of ever being competitive in this division.
"I don't care who you play, if you're going to fall down where we fell short in terms of a lack of intent in everything we did at times...It looked passive at every phase. For that, you get dealt with what you get dealt with."
Burnley defender Kyle Walker, speaking to Sky Sports on what he makes of his side's performance: "Terrible. We've come here to get something from the game and got nothing, so as a club that's fighting for survival it's not acceptable.
"It's 22 men on a football pitch, it's about who wants it more, and they wanted it more than us.
"I'd say the hunger's there. The lads work hard day in, day out, the hunger's there, but sometimes football matches aren't won on hunger, they're won by using your head and playing the game of football.
"When certain situations arise in a game, you're meant to deal with them in a manner that's appropriate for that situation. We don't, for whatever reason, seem to do that."
Did you know?
There have been 12 instances of a side failing to register a shot on target in a Premier League game this season with Burnley being responsible for four of those (more than any other team). Meanwhile, it was the first time Sunderland have prevented their opponents from landing a shot on target in a top-flight game since April 2016 v West Brom.
Burnley have kept just one clean sheet in their last 38 away Premier League games, conceding at least once in each of their last 22 top-flight matches on the road.
Subs: Moore, Cirkin, Geertruida, Rigg, Mayenda, O'Nien, Mundle, Isidor, Jones
Burnley make one alteration to the starting XI from their 2-2 draw against Tottenham in the English top flight nine days ago, with Lyle Foster taking the place of Armando Broja
James Ward-Prowse, who joined the Clarets on loan from West Ham last week, is on the substitute's bench.
What fans want on deadline daypublished at 07:31 GMT 2 February
07:31 GMT 2 February
Image source, Getty Images
We asked you what still needs to happen before the transfer window closes at 19:00 GMT on Monday.
Here are some of your comments:
Andie: We need a proven goalscorer at Premier League level - if only for the rest of our time in the Premier League. We make enough chances but fail to put them away game after game.
Fiona: We need someone who can score but decent strikers aren't for sale. So why are our best ones warming the bench? I'd get rid of the dregs of Kompany's spending spree as they're a waste of wages.
Phil: Not bother wasting money on transfers that will not serve them well in the championship next season. Offloading squad members that have not offer anything. Write off this season with a view to making lo ger term progress with recruitment and a cohesive plan.
Simon: We absolutely need a right-sided centre-back, but in an ideal world we would also be able to bring in another central midfielder and possibly either another winger or striker.
Andytom: We need a defender, a goalkeeper who controls his area, a defensive midfielder and a striker. All we have so far is Ward-Prowse and that is not enough. Both our academy sides are struggling so no help is coming from there. It looks like our horrible yo-yo existence will continue.
David: I'm so disappointed in Pace. He seems to think late deals are good, but in our predicament we needed signings early. Unfit signings are no good when you need them urgently. Unless we get a striker that knows where the goal is, we are done for. We have to win half our games left. We bought badly in the summer. Pace needs to sell up.
Sutton's predictions: Sunderland v Burnleypublished at 07:12 GMT 2 February
07:12 GMT 2 February
I relegated Wolves a few weeks back now - and I am afraid to say I think Burnley are down now too.
They performed with great spirit against Spurs when I was at Turf Moor last week, but it was another game they did not win.
Clarets boss Scott Parker said afterwards they need to change draws into victories, and of course he is right - but doing that is clearly difficult for them.
They were 2-1 up against Tottenham and so nearly got over the line for the first time since the end of October - but then came Cristian Romero's late equaliser, and you start to think they are never going to manage it.
Burnley have won only three league games all season, and one of them came at home to Sunderland in August.
The Black Cats will be without Granit Xhaka again, which is a big blow - they certainly missed him at West Ham.
But Sunderland's home form is still so impressive, and it would be a major turn-up if they dropped points here.
Follow transfer deadline daypublished at 07:01 GMT 2 February
07:01 GMT 2 February
Today is the final chance of the season for your Premier League team to do transfer business.
The window closes at 19:00 GMT, meaning teams - and fans - can avoid the usual late-night transfer scramble.
It has already been a busy window - for some teams anyway - but whether it turns out to be a day of transfer action or a pretty quiet one for your club, you will be able to keep across it all on BBC Sport.
Sunderland v Burnley: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:20 GMT 1 February
13:20 GMT 1 February
Noel Sliney BBC Sport senior journalist
Burnley are looking to complete their first league double over Sunderland since 1972-73 on Monday night. However, these two promoted sides have experienced contrasting fortunes since the Clarets won 2-0 at Turf Moor in August.
Stuttering Sunderland still have records in their sights
Sunderland's fantastic first half of the season has been tempered by two defeats in three matches, as many as in their previous 13. Head coach Regis le Bris lamented last week's performance away to West Ham as being "too far from our standards"; Sunderland were, unusually, outfought – a 42.3% duel success rate was their lowest of the season.
Nonetheless, the Black Cats are yet to fall to consecutive league losses this season and are the only side in the division still unbeaten at home. Their 11-match run without defeat equals the longest by a promoted team from the start of a Premier League, set by Ipswich in 1992-93.
The only promoted side to have a longer unbeaten home spell at any stage of a Premier League season is Birmingham City, spanning 15 games in 2009-10.
Notwithstanding their current wobble, a Sunderland win on Monday would put them on course for one of the highest Premier League tallies by a promoted team in a 38-game season.
Battling Burnley falling behind
Ten points from safety before the weekend, Burnley's immediate return to the Championship looks inevitable. They're still fighting – drawing five of their past seven league matches – but have gone 14 without a win since October. The Clarets have only once endured a longer top-flight winless run: 19 games, which ended way back in 1890.
The 2-0 home win over Sunderland in August is one of only six league fixtures in which Burnley have led this season. Too often, Scott Parker's side have been left playing catch-up – they have trailed in 19 matches, drawing five and losing 14.
Tottenham's late equaliser last weekend was the seventh league goal conceded by Burnley in the 90th minute or later this season. It leaves Scott Parker with a record of 12 wins, 44 defeats and 55 points from his 75 Premier League matches as a manager – only Mick McCarthy had a worse record at the same stage.
What needs to happen before transfer deadline?published at 09:04 GMT 1 February
09:04 GMT 1 February
It's transfer deadline day tomorrow, with the window closing at 19:00 GMT.
How would you assess Burnley's window? Do you think any position needs more attention? If so, give us names of who should be brought in. And what about who needs to go?
Gossip: Burnley have eyes on Sterling published at 08:06 GMT 30 January
08:06 GMT 30 January
Burnley, along with Italian Serie A sides Juventus and Napoli, are interested in Raheem Sterling, who has left Chelsea by mutual agreement. (Mail), external
Parker on injuries, Ward-Prowse transfer and Sunderlandpublished at 15:19 GMT 29 January
15:19 GMT 29 January
Melissa Edwards BBC Sport journalist
Burnley boss Scott Parker has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 20:00).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Zian Flemming and Joe Worrall will both be available for selection again after training with the squad all week.
Parker said it is about "perspective" after conceding late against Tottenham on Saturday to draw at Turf Moor. He believes there is "good momentum" following three positive results but his side still "need more".
On James Ward-Prowse joining Burnley on loan for the rest of the season, he said: "First and foremost, he'll bring quality. We've seen James play numerous games in the Premier League and he brings the know-how and can bring the level, in terms of what he represents and what he stands for. A very good addition for us. We needed cover in there with Josh [Cullen] coming out with a long-term injury. We'll see where he is over the coming days but we're pleased with that signing."
He added: "In terms of set-plays he's an absolute expert so it definitely helps in that area, along with other areas. It would be unfair of me to only compliment James' ability on set-plays - he brings an all-round game - but, for sure, he will give us an added something in that area. That side of the game has gone up tenfold."
Parker revealed Burnley are still trying to make transfers by deadline day (2 Feb). He explained the club are "definitely active" but, equally, don't want to bring in players who won't "improve the squad and just add numbers". The Clarets will also consider departures for players who need game time.
Burnley remain 19th in the league table, seven points from safety, but Parker said they have to put that aside: "If you look at that table, it doesn't look pretty, but look at the fixtures coming up and ask yourself: 'Can you pick up some points and get some positive results?' Things can change very quickly and we've seen that over the course of this year. So that's how we go about it now and have no focus on the table at the moment."
On facing Sunderland: "They've done incredibly - really well. They've obviously invested a huge amount of money and we're probably seeing a totally different squad to the one they were last year. The momentum for them earlier in the season where they picked up points has probably pushed them. It's a tough place and the stadium is hostile as well, so we know what we're coming up against - albeit a very different team. But, we've faced them already this year and got a positive result so we'll be ready."
'Brilliant signing' or 'not the solution we need'published at 16:40 GMT 28 January
16:40 GMT 28 January
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on James Ward-Prowse being set to join Burnley on loan from West Ham, with the 31-year-old expected to undergo a medical on Wednesday.
Here are some of your comments:
Brian: Ready made replacement for Cullen who might possibly be sidelined for rest of season. Strikes me as a positive move by Parker. Might not save us from relegation, but at least is a plus point.
Shaun: He would have been a good signing 5 years ago but we wouldn't have been able to afford him, I don't think he's got the legs to get about the pitch anymore.
Luke: Brilliant signing, although JWP will be expected to make an instant impact with 15 games remaining. We have to keep believing we can get out of this!
Lee: Ward-Prowse is not the solution we need. When a relegation rival is willing to loan you one of their players alarm bells should ring! If they don't want him, neither should we. Leeds bought in a proven goal scorer, that's what we need.
Neil: JWP would be a good signing to fill the gap left by Cullen's injury. Would be ruled out for WHU game which is a blow. Still need a goalscorer but then who doesn't. If we have desires to stay in the Premier league we need at least 3 signings. Back, middle & front.
Gav: Sound signing to cover Cullen. Still need a striker and centre back. I wouldn't throw money at it though as we're a banker for relegation.
David: The only down to this is his lack of playing time, experience should overcome that. Pity it's not permanent. We still need a striker!
Mark: Should be a good replacement for the injured Cullen. Plus, we need him for his set pieces which he has been known for in his carer. Hopefully we can get him match fit with him not playing much.
Ward-Prowse set for loan move - have your saypublished at 11:06 GMT 28 January
11:06 GMT 28 January
Image source, Getty Images
James Ward-Prowse's prospective loan move to Burnley from West Ham is edging closer, with the midfielder expected to undergo a medical on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old would bring with him a wealth of Premier League experience, having made 409 appearances across time with Southampton, Nottingham Forest and the Hammers, as well as winning 11 senior England caps.
However, he has not played a single minute for West Ham since Nuno Espirito Santo took charge in September.
Clarets fans, what do you make of the move? And where would Ward-Prowse fit into Scott Parker's system for the rest of the season?
Belief returns briefly as reality still bites Burnleypublished at 07:54 GMT 27 January
07:54 GMT 27 January
Natalie Bromley Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
For 45 minutes on Saturday, football felt normal again. I remembered what it felt like to properly celebrate a goal; I remembered the anticipation of winning a game; I felt passionate about a team and proud of a performance.
It was inevitable, really, that we would concede the equaliser - asking a defence that is poor at defending to drop deep and protect a lead was never going to end well. It is those kinds of decisions that have had me shaking my head in frustration at Scott Parker this season.
And I do question the point of playing five at the back if you are going to allow yourself to concede that many shots on your own goal.
But given that these moments have been few and far between this season, today we celebrate the positives. We were better than Tottenham Hotspur in that second half. We created chances and picked up the loose balls in midfield. We made good substitutions. And every one of the players put a shift in. When relegation is inevitably confirmed this season, I want to be able to say that we got that in every game from now on.
We are also in a weird place. We have just played three powerhouses from the Premier League – Manchester United and Spurs at Turf Moor, Liverpool away – and have drawn all three. On paper, three very impressive results.
But this has come far too late in the season to have any meaningful impact, as the Clarets find themselves significantly behind the survival line. We are told that we are learning and developing as a club and a team.
My counter to that would be that we have spent ten of the last 17 seasons in the topflight - should we not be closer to a prolonged spell in the Premier League by now?
