Burnley is in trouble in the Premier League this season, sitting deep in the relegation zone with results going from bad to worse. Scott Parker got them promoted from the Championship last year, but the step up has exposed weaknesses in the squad and his setup. Recent sackings at big clubs like Manchester United, letting go of Ruben Amorim and Chelsea parting ways with Enzo Maresca have ramped up the pressure on underperforming managers.
Amorim lasted 14 months at United with just 24 wins in 63 games, sacked for lack of progress. Maresca left Chelsea after 18 months amid a breakdown in relations with the board, despite winning the Club World Cup. Now, eyes are on Parker. Could Burnley pull the trigger next?
Burnley’s Current Form and League Position
Burnley’s form has been poor since returning to the top flight in the English Premier League. As of January 13, 2026, they sit 19th in the table with 13 points from 21 games. That’s 3 wins, 4 draws, and 14 losses, with 22 goals scored and 41 conceded for a goal difference of -19. They’re just above Wolverhampton Wanderers on 7 points, but the gap to safety, Nottingham Forest in 17th with 21 points, is growing.
Home and Away Stats
Their home and away records show the struggles. At Turf Moor, they’ve played 11 games with 2 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses, scoring 10 and conceding 15. Away, it’s worse: 10 games, 1 win, 1 draw, 8 losses, 12 scored, and 26 conceded. Burnley have the joint-second worst defensive record in the league, tied for 18th in goals conceded.
Recent Matches and Winless Record
The winless run is the big issue. Burnley haven’t won a Premier League game since October 2025, going 11 matches without a victory and losing 9 of them. That’s their longest winless streak in a single top-flight season since 2009-10. Recent results include a 2-0 loss at Brighton on January 3, a 3-1 home defeat to Newcastle on December 30, and a 0-0 draw with Everton on December 27. They did beat Millwall 5-1 in the FA Cup on January 10, but league form is what matters.
Scott Parker’s Approach and Formation
Parker’s approach hasn’t helped. He sticks to a 4-2-3-1 formation most games, focusing on a low block and defensive solidity to counter stronger sides. It’s pragmatic, with a double pivot in midfield like Josh Brownhill and Josh Cullen to protect the back four. In possession, they split into units: a back six including the midfielders, and four attackers up top. Parker has switched to a 3-4-3 or back five at times, like the fluid setup against Everton that created chances but didn’t deliver wins. Critics say it’s too negative, leading to dull football and not enough attacking threat.
Also Read: January Window Focus: Conor Gallagher and United’s Search for Midfield Balance
Injured Players
Injuries have hit hard, leaving Parker short in key areas. Captain Josh Cullen is out until September 2026 with an ACL tear. Defender Jordan Beyer (knee) returns late January, right-back Connor Roberts (strain) late January, forward Zeki Amdouni (cruciate) April, centre-back Joe Worrall (muscle) mid-January, defender Maxime Esteve (knock) mid-January, and midfielder Zian Flemming (knock). That’s up to 10 first-team players missing, thinning the squad in defence and attack.
Who Might Succeed Him at Burnley?
If Burnley sacks Parker, bookmakers have clear favourites for the next manager. Gary O’Neil is often the top choice around 7/2 or 9/4 in some markets. He has experience managing at the bottom of the Premier League with Wolves and Bournemouth and knows how to fight for survival.
Michael Carrick is also high up, who is currently guiding Man United, with odds like 5/1 or even shorter in some places, sometimes listed around 2/1 to 3/1 in different betting markets, depending on the bookmaker and date. These odds indicate that bookmakers believe there is a 25-33% chance that he could secure the job if Parker leaves.
Carrick did well at Middlesbrough with clear tactics and player development. He is a free agent with Premier League experience, having played and coached at Manchester United.
Other names include Brendan Rodgers, Steven Gerrard, or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but O’Neil and Carrick are the main ones right now.
FAQs:
Is Scott Parker likely to be sacked by Burnley?
Scott Parker is under serious pressure due to Burnley’s poor league position, long winless run, and growing gap to safety. While no decision has been announced, his job is increasingly at risk.
Where are Burnley in the Premier League table?
As of January 13, 2026, Burnley are 19th in the Premier League with 13 points from 21 matches, sitting deep in the relegation zone and eight points from safety.
How bad is Burnley’s recent form?
Burnley have gone 11 Premier League matches without a win, losing nine of them. Their last league victory came in October 2025, marking their worst top-flight run in over a decade.
Have injuries affected Scott Parker’s Burnley side?
Yes. Burnley have been hit by multiple injuries, including long-term absences to Josh Cullen and Zeki Amdouni, along with several defensive players sidelined, limiting squad depth.
What tactics has Scott Parker used at Burnley?
Parker has mainly used a 4-2-3-1 system with a low defensive block, occasionally switching to a back five. Critics argue the approach is too cautious and lacks an attacking threat.
Who could replace Scott Parker if Burnley sacks him?
Gary O’Neil and Michael Carrick are leading candidates, according to betting markets. Other names linked include Brendan Rodgers, Steven Gerrard, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
