Burnley

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Burnley boss Scott Parker has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Despite just the one win and one draw from their opening five Premier League games, Parker feels the side are in a "good place" after "some really tough and challenging fixtures to start this season".

• He added: "We've had to show some resilience at times, which has been hugely encouraging for me as a manager. We have been posed some tough challenges and have taken some real encouragement from them. We have been on the wrong end of a couple of those results in the last minute with two penalties, but overall I'm really pleased with where we are."

• The Clarets boss feels they are coming up against a "colossus" of a team in Manchester City: "We understand that. At times we will have to suffer, but we will adopt a confidence and a belief that we can show the best version of ourselves and hopefully cause them problems."

• On the impact of Kyle Walker since he joined: "He has been massive for us because of his experience and his quality. We've all seen his quality in a real short period of time. The biggest compliment I can pay to him is his reaction to the different environment and different way of playing here."

• He added: "When bringing him to Turf Moor, I had absolutely no doubt that he would embrace every bit of it - and he has done that. I've never seen frustration in him - instead, I've seen a positive mindset."

• On if playing three at the back has become plan A for the side: "Fair to say it has been our main structure this year. In saying that, we have been pretty flexible. Sometimes we have had different personnel and been more defensive, other times we have been looser. But we have done an extreme amount of work over pre-season in different variations of main structure."

• Parker called City boss Pep Guardiola "a genius of a coach" and said no-one in the room would "argue" about him changing his team's style against Arsenal: "Fundamentally, we all try to see what players have we got in this moment and what is working. What you see best in that moment is how you operate."

Listen to live commentary of Man City v Burnley on BBC Radio Lancashire (95.5FM) at 15:00 on Saturday

Catch up on all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley manager Scott Parker speaking after their 2-1 exit from the Carabao Cup against Cardiff City: "Fundamentally, it was a disappointing night.

"Firstly, disappointing result, because we came here wanting to win the game. I think it's fair to say performance-wise, we were way short, certainly in the first half. Really, really short.

"And in terms of where we want to be, in terms of what we were, and what we are, we just felt a little bit short of our standards tonight.

"Second half, there was an improvement, but if you give a team a two-nil head start in the first half it gave ourselves a big climb.

"We had some good chances in the second half, but I think on reflection of the game if we're all being brutally honest, we probably didn't deserve to win."

On the problems Burnley faced: "I think there were a number of issues. There were some tactical elements we needed to fix a little bit.

"Generally, we were poor in the first half in every phase of our game really, in terms of pressing, in terms of our intensity.

"We opened up the pitch really easily for the opposition. On the flipside, with the ball as well, we were quite slow at times.

"It was just a general mix really - we just looked a little yard off it in every phase."

Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Getty Images

This was a Championship fixture last season but, with Burnley soaring back to the Premier League with 100 points and Cardiff finishing bottom to drop down to the third tier for the first time in 22 years, the two sides met at Turf Moor two divisions apart.

Whereas Burnley boss Scott Parker switched his entire team from the weekend, Cardiff's line-up showed five changes from their first defeat of the season at home to Bradford City.

The Bluebirds' greater continuity – and promising start to the campaign – was evident as they controlled the opening exchanges, pressing Burnley effectively and keeping possession with relative ease.

Burnley's new-look team struggled to string together any consistent patterns of play, but they should have equalised when Armando Broja was set free by Marcus Edwards' through ball, only to see his low effort kept out by Nathan Trott.

After Zian Flemming had pulled a goal back, the Cardiff keeper made two good saves from Mike Tresor and following that, although Burnley desperately flung the ball into the visitors' penalty area late on, Brian Barry-Murphy's men stood firm.

But Cardiff had chances to extend their lead and were well worth their victory.

Burnley boss Scott Parker changes his entire team for tonight's League Cup tie with Cardiff.

None of those who started against Nottingham Forest at the weekend are involved at all, with Lesley Ugochukwu - suspended for that match - among those starting this game.

Burnley XI: Weiss, Sonne, Tuanzebe, Worrall, Humphreys, Pires, Ugochukwu, Hannibal, Edwards, Broja, Flemming

Subs: Hladky, Pouani, Clark, Pimlott, Brierley, Campbell, Banel, Tresor, Barnes

League One side Cardiff make five changes with Perry Ng, Calum Chambers, Joel Colwill, Isaak Davies and Callum Robinson all coming in.

Cardiff City XI: Trott, Ng, Chambers, Fish, Bagan, Wintle, J. Colwill, R. Colwill, Ashford, Davies, Robinson.

Subs: Turner, Osho, Giles, Mafico, Turnbull, Kellyman, Nyakuhwa, Willock, Salech.

There are eight games in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday - six involving Premier League sides - and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Barnsley v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Burnley v Cardiff City

• Fulham v Cambridge United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Lincoln City v Chelsea - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Wolves v Everton

• Liverpool v Southampton (20:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

Kick-off times 19:45 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Lincoln v Chelsea" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v Southampton", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

Natalie Bromley
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

The Burnley side of two years ago would have lost that game on Saturday - by a heavy margin too.

But Scott Parker's new Clarets have something the old one didn't: mental toughness.

Going behind so early in a game is a nightmare for any team. The manager's strategy and approach goes out of the window right away, and the players have to start chasing.

This is particularly pertinent when you are a side like Burnley, who are set up to play tight and try to attack on the counter. It was therefore particularly pleasing to see such a strong attitude and determination to get back into that game.

And, indeed, if we were a little less wasteful and a little more sophisticated in front of goal, we could have won by at least two goals.

By the end a point felt like a fair result. What every Burnley fan should be mindful of, however, is that this 'struggling' Nottingham Forest side is a lot better than the headlines and their league position suggests.

They are physically commanding in midfield and have forward players who are not shy in trying to score. Contrast that to Burnley, who look a little overrun in midfield when playing five at the back, and who seem to want to take 50 passes before anyone has a shot on target.

The relegation battle is going to be tough, and there aren't many sides who look obvious choices to go down. Leeds, Burnley, and Sunderland included!

UTC.

Find more from Natalie Bromley at No Nay Never podcast, external

Steve Wyeth
Final Score reporter at Turf Moor

Image source, Getty Images

There was a demonstration at Turf Moor on Saturday of the value of a top-quality, experienced goalkeeper.

Burnley have recruited extensively in pursuit of Premier League survival, but the arrival of a well-known, established number one to replace James Trafford looks particularly astute.

But for 36 year-old Martin Dubravka, Burnley might be lamenting another cruel defeat when they had worked so hard to earn a point against Nottingham Forest.

Dubravka made a fine stop to deny Dilane Bakwa in the first half but it was late in the game when he became the pivotal figure.

Twice he had to react sharply in appalling conditions to thwart first Igor Jesus and then Neco Williams.

Burnley had their moments to win the game too but the lingering memory is that their veteran goalkeeper - who said afterwards that he is "trying to help the others with my experience" - made sure they didn't lose it.

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Burnley and Nottingham Forest.

Here are some of your comments:

Burnley fans

Ian: Jaidon Anthony brings a tremendous amount of energy to Burnley and is genuinely skillful, but I just wonder why they don't work on his shooting. Meanwhile, Scott Parker's loyalty to his players is admirable, but surely, in a game as important as this one, leaving Neco Williams unmarked at the edge of the box deserves a rollocking!

Paul: Brave performance but didn't really deserve a point. Martin Dubravka was superb and will need to be all season if we are going to survive. Promising performances from the two newbies, Loum Tchaouna and Florentino Luis. We need Armando Broja to contribute.

Graham: An excellent team performance in awful conditions and after going a goal behind so early. A real show of skill, strength, character, and determination to get level, and drive on. A draw was a fair result in the end but Burnley should be massively encouraged by both this team performance, and by individual contributions by the likes of Anthony, Dubravka, Florentino, Lyle Foster, and Kyle Walker. We are not out of place at this level.

Peter; When we learn how to make a decent final pass, we'll be a real threat. Until then, just hang on.

Forest fans

Supered: Poor result against one of the weaker teams this season. Forest are in a relegation battle. Angeball does not work - it was found out within 20 games. Fear the worst for Wednesday.

Rick: The talent is obvious. Give Ange the time - no more than a month - you can bet your last dollar and watch him him put us in the top five before Christmas.

Mossy: Postecoglou has not had a easy start at Forest, trying to incorporate new players and four away games, which are all potential banana skins. His first game at the City Ground in front of the supporters will see if the tactics he prefers are popular.

Jon: Can we get rid of the manager now? The joke's not funny anymore. I've completely lost interest in this season. First Nuno throwing his teddies out of his pram and now this managerial appointment. It's as if the owner enjoys this nonsense and upheaval season after season.

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley have proved they can cut it in the Premier League, according to boss Scott Parker.

Oleksandr Zinchenko's own goal earned them a deserved 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest and eased any pain from last weekend's last-gasp defeat by Liverpool.

The Clarets were also close to taking a point at Manchester United, losing 3-2 to Bruno Fernandes' stoppage-time penalty.

They now go to Manchester City and Aston Villa in the league, but Parker believes they have proved their credentials already.

"We have shown we are very competitive," he said, after the Clarets came from behind following Neco Williams' early opener.

"At United, we go a goal down and it could be anything at certain moments. We go in front and then from kick-off they score again - it's another setback but we then get ourselves back in front.

"This team has shown a resilience and character - not much dents them. They react in the right way. We need to continue that. It's still early in the season, but we need to take that and realise how important it is."

The Clarets sit just above the relegation zone with four points having beaten Sunderland at Turf Moor last month.

Parker added: "There's no denying when the fixtures came out it was a tough start. Facing Tottenham, United, Liverpool and now Manchester City... and I include Forest - this is a team playing in Europe next week.

"It was the best we played this season. We showed another side to us and we showed huge quality with the ball."

Pundits Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Brighton 2-2 Tottenham

• Wolves 1-3 Leeds

• Man Utd 2-1 Chelsea

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

As the rain hammered down at Turf Moor, Burnley put their bodies on the line once more.

This time, unlike the last-gasp defeat to Liverpool last week, they took a deserved point and one which can send a message about their home form.

A win over Sunderland was followed by an EFL Cup triumph over Derby and had it not been for Mohamed Salah's injury-time penalty last week they would be unbeaten at Turf Moor.

Scott Parker's side had chances to win and were good value for their point, even if they did need Martin Dubravka to make two fine late stops to deny Igor Jesus and Neco Williams.

As so often for a promoted side, the Clarets' home form is likely to decide whether they survive or face an immediate return to the Championship.

They recovered from the early setback of going behind to Williams' strike and could have been ahead by half-time after growing into the game.

On the evidence so far there are enough battling qualities - laced with talent - to give them more than just a fighting chance of staying up.

Scott Parker spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Burnley's draw against Nottingham Forest: "The point is fair enough. Over the course of the game we had some good chances, Forest had some as well. A point is a fair result.

"Not ideal. To come out that early and for them to get in front wasn't ideal. hat pleased me most was our character. We came with a real dominance after that.

"I'm learning things about the team, what is being confirmed is this team have got some real character. When they need to dig in they dig in. This was our best performance in terms of showing our character. We keep improving."

On Florentino: "His experience, his calmness, the boy has been on this stage and you see that in his quality today, certainly after an early booking."

On Kyle Walker: "Kyle was every bit of the player that we expected to come in today. A driving force for us. At the end, he was on fumes and there is something in him that he has to push. I'm always reluctant to single out individuals but him and Martin [Dubravka] were very good.

"There's no denying this year, the quality we are up against the goalkeeper is going to play a pivotal role. He was vital for us. We knew that when we brought Martin in."

On the season so far: "I'm massively encouraged. The facts are we have had a tough start to this campaign but we have been hugely competitive. We need to maintain that and I am always conscious of that."

Martin Dubravka also spoke to MOTD after Saturday's draw: "I was quite busy today but that's why I'm there, I was just trying to help my team-mates.

"It was difficult, considering the early goal. We needed to show character, we stuck together, we fought hard and one point - we need that.

"We are just trying to stay in the game, they have a lot of good players, they created a lot of chances but we defended well. The last two results were a bit hard on us but we showed the character and we fought hard."

Did you know?

Burnley have now gone 26 home league games without conceding more than once, since a 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in May 2024.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Burnley's performance

What did you make of Nottingham Forest's display?

Come back on Sunday for a selection of your replies

Midfielder Florentino makes his full Burnley debut against Nottingham Forest.

The 26-year-old, who signed on loan from Benfica on deadline day, replaces the suspended Lesley Ugochukwu after his red card in the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend.

Veteran striker Ashley Barnes returns to the bench for the Clarets.

Burnley XI: Dubravka, Walker, Hartman Esteve, Foster, Anthony, Florentino, Tchaouna, Ekdal, Cullen, Laurent.

Subs: Weiss, Worrall, Edwards, Humphreys, Flemming, Pires, Broja, Hannibal, Barnes

Oleksandr Zinchenko, Douglas Luiz, Dilane Bakwa and Morato come in for Nottingham Forest from their defeat at Arsenal last weekend.

Juventus loanee Luiz is given his Premier League debut along with Arsenal loanee Zinchenko after they both started in the 3-2 EFL Cup defeat at Swansea on Wednesday.

Morato replaces Murillo who has failed to shake off a knock he suffered at the Emirates.

Nottingham Forest XI: Sels, Williams, Milenkovic, Morato, Zinchenko, Douglas Luiz, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Bakwa, Ndoye, Wood

Subs: Sangare, Hudson-Odoi, Kalimuendo, I. Jesus, Hutchinson, Yates, Jair Cunha, McAtee

There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Liverpool v Everton (12:30)

• Brighton v Tottenham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Burnley v Nottingham Forest

• West Ham v Crystal Palace

• Wolves v Leeds

• Manchester United v Chelsea (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Fulham v Brentford (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Burnley manager Scott Parker will be feeling really hard done by after their last-gasp defeat by Liverpool which, like their loss against Manchester United, was down to a stoppage-time penalty.

We know the Clarets were excellent defensively in the Championship last season, and they have shown they are resolute in the Premier League too, but the question is whether they are going to carry a big enough attacking threat?

That's why I fancy Forest here. This is an important game for big Ange Postecoglou too. Whenever his team loses, whoever it is, it seems to be greeted with more glee than when most other managers lose, which is such an idiotic view.

His Nottingham Forest side were 2-0 up and cruising in the Carabao Cup midweek but then missed a few chances, let Swansea City back in the game and ended up going out to an unbelievable 97th-minute goal.

Postecoglou made 10 changes for that tie, so he has rested a few for this game. I'm backing them to bounce back with 'The Woodchopper', Chris Wood, bagging the winner on his return to his former club.

Sutton's prediction: 0-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Sophie Brown
BBC Sport journalist

Burnley and Nottingham Forest are both licking their wounds going into Saturday's game at Turf Moor.

Burnley have been rocked by back-to-back stoppage-time defeats, the most recent of which against Liverpool last weekend ended their 15-month and 24-game unbeaten run at Turf Moor.

That makes it three defeats in their first four league games of the season, but head coach Scott Parker won't be pressing the panic button just yet.

Burnley kept 30 clean sheets in 46 Championship games last season, equalling an all-time league record that had stood for over 70 years; and there are early signs in this campaign that their deep-lying defence remains well equipped to repel invaders.

They were unlucky to concede a penalty at Manchester United and their diligent and organised defence came within a whisker of shutting out a Liverpool team that had scored in 37 consecutive league matches.

Burnley didn't have a single touch in Liverpool's penalty area in the second half but they put their bodies on the line, blocking 12 shots - the highest such tally in a Premier League game this season.

Parker's side have conceded seven goals – the joint fourth-highest total in the Premier League, which compares favourably with their xG against total of 9.4, the highest of any top-flight side this season.

The last team Liverpool did fail to score against in the league was Nottingham Forest, who are currently getting used to life under new head coach Ange Postecoglou.

Asked after Forest's defeat at Arsenal last weekend about how long it would take him to remould his new team, Postecoglou replied: "No, mate, it won't be months, it won't be weeks – it'll be Wednesday [in the EFL Cup against Swansea]. I can't afford to waste time."

Wednesday saw signs that the work has begun – 10 changes to the starting line-up, with eight of Forest's 13 summer signings making their debuts – but it also revealed that there is plenty to do, as Forest conceded two injury-time goals to lose 3-2.

Forest supporters must hope that the shock result can be partly attributed to a newly formed team not used to playing together. But giving up a lead is something Tottenham fans got used to last season, when Postecoglou's Spurs went ahead in 22 of their 38 Premier League games but ended up winning only 11 of them.

A quirk of the fixture list means Postecoglou's first four matches are all away – including a trip to Real Betis in the Europa League, which he won with Spurs last year. It is two down, two lost so far – the Forest players will need to get the hang of 'Angeball' pretty quickly to ensure the fans are onside when that first home game comes at the end of September.

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Burnley boss Scott Parker has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest at Turf Moor (15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Parker said he has no fresh injury concerns heading into the game and "a couple of players are edging closer to coming back". Decisions will be made after training on Friday about their involvement.

• Lesley Ugochuckwu will be suspended after his red card against Liverpool: "We've got a squad here that we need. It gives someone else an opportunity to come and fill that position. We're going to need the squad for all different scenarios and this weekend someone will take Lesley's place."

• Parker has been pleased with the development of his side so far since promotion: "We've been presented with some tough, tough fixtures. I've seen a massive improvement from the first game of the season at Spurs where we looked a little bit dazed at times. Every nugget where there has been positivity around the group we need to emphasise and hold onto."

• On the mood in the squad after late defeats by Manchester United and Liverpool: "Positive. It's been a bit of a sucker punch for us over the last couple of weeks. We've put in two really good performances against very strong opposition and not managed to get a result in the dying minutes of games. We're hugely disappointed with how things could be different for us but overall in this early stage, there are a lot of positives to take from these games."

• On preparing differently to facing Forest under Ange Postecoglou after Nuno Espirito Santo's sacking: "Ange has been hugely successful at previous clubs and did that again last year. We're up against a huge competitor and someone who has been around it a long time. We're planning for a totally different set-up and outlook on the game."

• More on Forest: "A different coach brings different ideas, a different philosophy. Ange will be no different in wanting to change certain things. They have a strong squad with strong individuals. New manager or not, we will have to prep like we have done and be the team we can be. If we do, we can cause Forest problems."

Listen to full commentary from Turf Moor on Saturday on BBC Radio Lancashire 95.5FM with Gary Hunt & David Unsworth.

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Natalie Bromley
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

A question I have asked myself numerous times over the years I have supported Burnley is: is grit enough?

Burnley's defenders played out of their skins against Liverpool on Sunday. Blocking every shot. Never once losing their formation. Not one of them lapsing in concentration. Scott Parker's tactics drilled into them with such precision that they hardly blinked.

And it worked. It worked so, so well. Liverpool could not find a way through. Burnley's determination and sublime defensive resilience looked nailed on to be rewarded with a very well-earned point, played out to the soundtrack of "Steeeeeeve" ringing through the Turf Moor crowd.

Then, an opportunity. Liverpool, on a desperate attack, spot a chance to kick the ball at the arms of Hannibal. Penalty in stoppage time. For the second time in as many weeks, Burnley are denied the point their performance truly deserved.

It is natural to think "what's the point", to consider going for it and at least trying to open up the pitch and attack.

But I think that would be a mistake. Play that way and the inevitable result is a 5-0 hammering and a dressing room lacking confidence and belief.

We saw it during Vincent Kompany's disastrous campaign two years ago. This team looks different, yet so very familiar: Scott Parker's warriors, served with just a pinch of the Sean Dyche era.

It is the performances, not the results, that will matter this season, and if the Clarets put in more performances like they did against Liverpool, they might just find themselves in that golden 17th spot.

Something special is brewing in east Lancashire...

Find more from Natalie Bromley at No Nay Never podcast, external

Steven Wyeth
Match of the Day commentator

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool boss Arne Slot began his interview for Match of the Day with "compliments to Burnley for how they've played", a magnanimous and entirely more appropriate assessment than some of the subsequent online discourse about 'negative tactics'.

Up against one of the most talented and expensively assembled squads in football, Scott Parker was within his rights to conjure a game plan to first survive and then hope to thrive.

The preparation, organisation and concentration required to defend a penalty area as Burnley did deserves admiration, not scorn, no-less noble type of skill to those Liverpool have at their disposal.

The Clarets were two stoppage-time minutes and one frazzled misjudgement away from executing the plan perfectly.

Burnley tried the expansive, aesthetically pleasing approach on their previous visit to the Premier League and were relegated. They are entitled to do things differently in the quest to stay up this time.

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League between Burnley and Liverpool.

Here are some of your comments:

Burnley fans

Ian: Scott Parker deserves immense credit for the way he set Burnley up and the players followed the instructions superbly. We were entitled to a point but, hey, that's football and sometimes it can be so cruel. I am hopeful we will have enough to stay in this league.

Neil: Battled well, deserved a point. It's now two games on the bounce where we have shot ourselves in the foot. Our survival will not be based on this game but on teams around us. That's when we need to be getting the late winners.

Andy: The players gave 100% and earned a point by some great defending. But alas, football is cruel and for the second game running Burnley concede a needless penalty in injury time.

William: To Scott Parker, if you play the way you did, you got what you deserved - nothing. Absolutely awful display by a team that used to be such a nice team to watch.

Martin: When will the heartbreak end. I hate the Prem.

Liverpool fans

Jim: Not playing well but picking up points. New players adapting and the death of our beloved Diogo Jota has caused a drop in the team's form. It is a worry but I'm hoping Florian Writz, Mo Salah and Alexander Isak will hit form soon and we start obliterating teams. Only time will tell. YNWA.

Stuart: Cannot fault the effort but lacking quality again. Need Milos Kerkez out wide putting in crosses. Rio Ngumoha should be trusted to come on earlier. He created best chance of game within minutes. Squad lacks depth.

Sean: As we have come to expect; opposition is very happy to draw and Park(er)s the bus. What's worse is Liverpool struggle to break through it, which is why Wirtz was brought in. Liverpool had three full-backs and four wingers on at one point - they should be creating open goals.

Jamal: Against a team like Burnley (bus parking) it doesn't matter how they got the victory. I hate teams playing at home with 10 men behind the ball.

Pete: It was a decent enough performance and what was to be expected. Burnley were compact and well drilled and would have been happy with a point. The red card should have been shown in the first half and was better late than never. When we click, this Liverpool team will be an absolute joy to watch for us Reds.