What needs to happen for Burnley to be officially relegated against Manchester City

Rob Edwards’ side can no longer mathematically catch West Ham in 17th following their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace tonight.

Wolves sit bottom of the table on 17 points, three shy of the Clarets.

Scott Parker’s side are 13 points adrift of the Hammers with five games left to play – meaning their fate will finally be sealed on Wednesday night if they lose to Manchester City.

A draw will reduce the gap to 12 with 12 points still available. While West Ham’s goal difference is significantly better than Burnley’s (-17 compared to -33), relegation would not be officially confirmed.

A surprise victory for Burnley against Pep Guardiola’s title challengers will delay the inevitable.

Irrespective of when it comes, the Clarets are heading for their third straight demotion from this level, having suffered the same fate in 2022 and 2024.

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Perhaps the only remaining objective remaining is to try and match and exceed the 24-point tally amassed under Vincent Kompany in 2023/24, or at least avoid bottom spot.

Speaking after Sunday’s capitulation against Nottingham Forest, Parker admitted Burnley’s time was almost up.

“The inevitable is there now, let's be honest,” he said. “It's a miracle in terms of what we need to do, what we need to try and be.

"There's five games left, five Premier League games for these players, individually-wise. Now, that's probably the route we go down in terms of what we need to be as individuals.

"Of course, we keep fighting, for sure and we keep doing absolutely everything. But it's a tough one.”

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