Burnley face fresh managerial crisis ahead of opening day West Ham showdown
Burnley and West Ham United are set to lock horns at the start of the 2026-27 season.
The pair of relegated sides are looking to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
The Clarets would end the season in 19th, narrowly above Wolves, while the Hammers would see their worst fears realised on the final day of the term.
Despite beating Leeds 3-0 at the London Stadium, Nuno Espirito Santo's side would drop as a result of Tottenham's win against Everton.
Now, they prepare to take on a Burnley side who they beat twice last term.
And they could have gained a pivotal advantage, with Burnley's chaotic summer seemingly getting worse.
West Ham may have gained key opening weekend advantage with Burnley manager development
Across the week, it has been reported that Burnley are set to land Wales boss Craig Bellamy as manager.
The former Hammer achieved promotion with Vincent Kopmany at Turf Moor, and was seemingly set to take his first managerial role at club level.
Instead, TalkSPORT's Alex Crook now reports that the move could be in doubt, citing issues with the backroom staff.
On Sunday 16 August, West Ham are set to take on the Lancashire outfit at Turf Moor - bringing opening weekend to an end.
The clash itself could bring about a statement win for either side, as the relegated pair look to start what they hope will be a promotion winning campaign brightly.
Relegated trio under the microscope ahead of Championship restart
It has been a frustrating summer for both West Ham and Burnley thus far.
Both have been unable to get deals done as of yet, with Burnley still in search of a manager right before the start of pre-season.
Wolves have confirmed the signings of Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez, but there is still uncertainty surrounding the Old Gold following the unknown appointment of Cesar Peixoto.
With pre-season around the corner, West Ham need to get the ball rolling and get prepared for their first second tier campaign in 14 years - potentially jumping ahead of their relegated rivals.