Burnley couldn’t have asked for a tougher assignment as their battle for Premier League survival resumes, with in-form Chelsea heading to Turf Moor this weekend.
Form Guide and Match Context
Scott Parker’s side enjoyed a strong start to their previous four-game stretch, picking up vital wins against two relegation rivals to momentarily ease the pressure. However, their momentum didn’t last long.
Defeats to Arsenal and, more damagingly, West Ham dragged the Clarets back toward danger heading into the international pause.
This difficult fixture list hasn’t helped either. Once Chelsea are ticked off, Burnley will have faced every team currently occupying the top eight within their first 12 league matches (W1, L6).
Their only victory in that period came against Sunderland, a team they gained promotion alongside last season.
Given that Burnley haven’t beaten a traditional “big six” opponent since February 2022, expectations are understandably modest.
Chelsea, meanwhile, return from the break with a sense of frustration.
The pause arrived just as Enzo Maresca’s side had stitched together two straight league wins without conceding.
A shock defeat to newly promoted Sunderland earlier in the campaign is a reminder that potential slip-ups remain, but the Blues have dispatched all of the current bottom-six sides this season, winning each of those meetings.
An impressive five-game unbeaten run away from home (W4, D1) further boosts confidence, as does their streak of seven consecutive victories in Saturday lunchtime kick-offs.
Head-to-Head Insight
Turf Moor has been a welcoming ground for Chelsea in recent years.
Burnley have suffered eight Premier League home losses to the Blues, a tally bettered only by their nine defeats to Liverpool.
Chelsea have also claimed victory on their last six top-flight trips to Burnley, scoring at least three goals in each of the most recent five.
Stats to Know
- All five of Burnley’s home league matches this season have produced under 2.5 goals.
- Three of the four Premier League goals Burnley have conceded at Turf Moor came in the opening half.
- Eight of Chelsea’s nine away games have delivered over 2.5 goals.
- Chelsea boast a league-best eight second-half goals on their travels.
Players to Watch & Team News
Former Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu has been one of Burnley’s biggest attacking contributors this season, attempting the second-highest number of shots for the Clarets.
For Chelsea, Alejandro Garnacho reaching his potential 100th Premier League appearance could be significant, though history suggests caution, he hasn’t been on the winning side in any of his last four games in which he scored (D1, L3).
Burnley may miss Armando Broja, who picked up an injury while on international duty with Albania.
Chelsea’s availability concerns are more extensive, with Cole Palmer, and Romeo Lavia both sidelined.
Potential Lineups
Burnley: 4-2-3-1 – Dubravka; Walker, Tuanzebe, Esteve, Hartman; Cullen, Florentino; Bruun Larsen, Ugochukwu, Anthony; Flemming.
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Estevao, Joao Pedro, Gittens; Delap.
Where to watch
United Kingdom: TNT Sports
United States: Paramount+
Canada: Fubo
India: JioHotstar
Australia: Stan Sport
Nigeria: SuperSports
Conclusion and Prediction
With both sides returning from the international break with contrasting pressures, this clash offers plenty of intrigue.
Burnley will hope home advantage and renewed energy can keep them competitive, but Chelsea’s strong away form and clinical record against struggling sides make them clear favourites.
If the Blues maintain their recent momentum, another valuable three points could be within reach.
Score Prediction: Burnley 0-3 Chelsea.
