Leeds United are looking to keep themselves away from the relegation trouble in 2026, but Burnley already appear to be getting cut well adrift.
The Whites’ start to 2026 has been a positive one. Despite enduring a daunting run of games from December into January, Leeds have a seven-game unbeaten run to go off.
West Ham and Nottingham Forest are playing currently to determine what Leeds’ lead will look like tomorrow, while Burnley and Wolves look seriously cut adrift already.
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Despite the Clarets coming into the Premier League off the back of matching Leeds’ 100 points, while breaking defensive records on the way, they’re toiling in the bottom three.
Scott Parker is somehow keeping his job in the midst of widespread discontent amongst the Turf Moor fanbase. But, his hopes of mounting a revival in the second half of the season look slim, as one of his better performers earlier in the season could be off already.
£10.25million summer signing from Feyenoord, Quilindschy Hartman could already be on his way out of the club. That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who reports that Turkish club Besiktas are set to lodge a formal offer.
Burnley’s Quilindschy Hartman looks set to leave in January. (REUTERS/Jaimi Joy)
While there’s no claim on Burnley’s intentions to accept, personal terms are not expected to be an issue, indicating Hartman’s eagerness to jump ship already.
Hartman hasn’t featured in any of Burnley’s last four games. As well, he’s been totally absent from the squad in three of those, where the Clarets have collected two points. Parker confirmed that his absence hasn’t been due to injury, but “needs some air and needs some oxygen”.
The Dutch left-back’s four assists is twice as many as the next best provider (Josh Cullen, two) in the Burnley squad.
Are Burnley waving the white flag for relegation? Is Leeds United’s battle to stay up becoming much clearer?
Given we’re 10 points clear of the Clarets, they have a mountain to climb to get out of trouble. They are six off Nottingham Forest, but the Reds have a noticeably better squad. So, Forest look nigh-impossible for Burnley to catch.
Losing one of their best signings from the summer would put another nail in the coffin. Both Parker and Burnley’s prospects, without doubt, are looking bleak.
As for Leeds, it does narrow our focus even more. If we’re to assume that two of the relegation spots are likely to stay as is.
West Ham’s ongoing turmoil can only be good for us, and the result tonight as we speak could be vital either way.
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