Burnley manager Scott Parker recently compared his side with Leeds United.
Carabao Cup Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley Scott Parker manager of Burnley watches on the warm ups ahead of the Carabao Cup match Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Burnley at Molineux, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom, 28th August 2024 Photo by Gareth Evans/News Images Wolverhampton Molineux West Midlands United Kingdom Copyright: xGarethxEvans/NewsxImagesx
Leeds United look on course to buck the trend in recent years of promoted teams immediately being relegated upon their return to the Premier League.
Despite a tough test awaiting Daniel Farke’s men this evening, with the Whites taking on Manchester City at Elland Road, Leeds are still in a fantastic position to avoid the drop.
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As it stands, there is a six-point buffer between themselves and the bottom three, with a former West Ham player even wishing the Hammers were more like Leeds in their bid to stay in the Premier League.
Burnley manager Scott Parker has recently reflected on the success Leeds have enjoyed during their return to the top flight, whilst his Burnley side languishes in 19th.
Scott Parker highlights the difference between Burnley and Leeds this season
When both teams were fighting for promotion last season, goal difference was needed to separate Leeds and Burnley, with both sides finishing on 100 points and earning automatic promotion back to the Premier League.
However, whilst Leeds have kicked on and proved they have been able to compete with the best sides English football has to offer, the same cannot be said for Burnley, who look dead and buried and sit eight points from safety.
When highlighting the differences between Burnley and the other two promoted sides, Sunderland and Leeds, Parker had this to say in his press conference.
“When you look at the three promoted clubs, all three have probably been very similar away from home in terms of points collected. The other two, which I mention, the difference has been home form.
“Our home form has been nowhere near as good, and we certainly haven’t picked up enough points at home really for many reasons, certainly over the last couple of weeks.”
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Data suggests Scott Parker has a point
Although Leeds sit 12 points above Burnley in the Premier League, both teams have similar records away from home.
Both Burnley and Leeds have accumulated nine points away from home this season, with only Wolves collecting fewer points on the road, with four
Burnley, in fact, have more away wins this season than Leeds, with two compared to Leeds’ one
Farke’s side has proven far harder to beat, however, accumulating six draws away from home compared to Burnley’s three (Sofascore)
However, there is a massive gulf between the two sides when it comes to how many points they have picked up at home, with Leeds picking up 22 points compared to Burnley’s 10.
To put it simply, Leeds’ incredible form at Elland Road is what will likely keep them in the division come the end of the season, and with the form they have showcased under the lights at home, you wouldn’t put it past Farke’s men to cause another upset against Manchester City.
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