Chelsea vs Burnley – News and Probable Lineups

Burnley heads to Stamford Bridge this Saturday, striving for back-to-back wins in the capital against a Chelsea team positioned 14 places higher in the Premier League standings.

The Clarets managed to recover from a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace last week, but they will need to elevate their performance significantly to face the current form team in the division as they aim for their first victory over Chelsea in nine years.

Match overview

After a relentless series of matches, Chelsea has had an unusual week off under the guidance of Liam Rosenior, with the Blues having played every three days since he took over from Enzo Maresca at the beginning of the year.

Thanks to Joao Pedro’s remarkable performance against Napoli in January, Chelsea enjoyed a free week as they weren’t involved in the Champions League knockout stages, looking to assert themselves against the struggling side to enhance their chances of a top-five finish.

Nevertheless, Rosenior will remain cautious, despite his team getting some rest this week, especially considering how their last encounter against a team in the lower half of the table unfolded.

While Chelsea were favorites against Leeds United, the London side allowed a 2-0 lead to slip, missing the opportunity to surpass Manchester United into fourth place.

This draw marked the first time Chelsea conceded points in the league since January 7’s 2-1 loss to Fulham, as they had previously strung together four wins before Leeds interrupted their winning streak.

With the motivation to bounce back after dropping points, Rosenior’s squad approaches Saturday’s fixture with the chance to move ahead of Manchester United, who won’t face Everton until Monday night.

While the Blues are considered strong favorites to hand Burnley their 17th defeat, supporters at Stamford Bridge will be cautious for a couple of reasons: the team’s inconsistent home record this season—six wins, four draws, and three losses—and recent disappointing draws against the Lancashire side.

The Clarets have gone unbeaten in their last two visits to West London, where they previously held the five-time Premier League champions to draws of 1-1 and 2-2 in November 2021 and March 2024, respectively.

Interestingly, seven of the eight points that the bottom-placed team has earned in their encounters with the capital club have been secured in London, and Scott Parker’s squad will be motivated to become the third promoted team this season to find success at the home of the Club World Cup champions.

Given Chelsea’s tendency to lose points from winning positions, as demonstrated in their defeat to Sunderland and recent draw with Leeds, the traveling supporters will believe their team still has a chance, even if they go behind.

Considering their recent comeback at Selhurst Park, it is unlikely the away fans will lose hope if Parker’s squad falls behind in the capital.

Although the win over the Eagles keeps them nine points from safety, the triumph at Palace was crucial for the struggling team, which now looks for consecutive victories in the top flight for the first time since October, when they beat Leeds (2-0) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (3-2).

Team News

While Chelsea’s injury concerns appear to be easing, Rosenior still has to cope without long-term absentees Levi Colwill (knee), Marc Cucurella (thigh), Filip Jorgensen, Dario Essugo, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (thigh) for this weekend’s fixture.

Although Romeo Lavia is nearing a return from a thigh issue, the club’s cautious approach with the former Southampton midfielder suggests another match without him in the central area.

Even though Cole Palmer missed the 4-0 FA Cup win over Hull City as a precaution, Rosenior later confirmed that the playmaker — who has netted four times in his last two top-flight matches, three of which were penalties — is expected to be back in contention for Saturday.

Having performed impressively against promoted teams—scoring eight and assisting six against such sides—Palmer, who contributed a goal and an assist against the Clarets in October 2023, aims to take advantage of the second-bottom visitors at Stamford Bridge.

Expected to lead the attack is the in-form Joao Pedro, who has scored four goals and provided one assist in his last five league games after accounting for five contributions in his prior 19 matches, as he looks to continue his excellent form under the new head coach.

Burnley is dealing with multiple injury issues: Connor Roberts (Achilles), Mike Tresor (ankle), Jordânia Beyer (thigh), Zeki Amdouni (knee), Axel Tuanzebe (heel), and long-term absentee Josh Cullen (knee) are all unavailable.

However, Jaidon Anthony is fit and ready for action at the Bridge, boasting six goals, 24 chances created, and 30 shots, surpassing all other Clarets traveling to London for Saturday’s match.

Nonetheless, the home side will be wary of Zian Flemming’s away performances this season, with all five of his league goals coming on the road.

Since the forward was not involved in Burnley’s three goals against Palace—where Hannibal Mejbri and Anthony scored, with Lesley Ugochukwu and Marcus Edwards assisting—Parker will be hopeful for significant contributions across his team as they aim for consecutive wins in London.

Chelsea probable starting XI:

Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato; Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro

Burnley probable starting XI:

Dubravka; Laurent, Worral, Esteve; Walker, Ugochukwu, Hannibal, Humphreys; Edwards, Anthony; Flemming

Burnley has a track record of making life difficult for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with determined performances, and their recent victory at Selhurst Park—marking their first away win since late October—has bolstered their confidence.

However, a rested Chelsea are unlikely to repeat the errors from their recent draw with Leeds and should return to winning form against the Clarets, who have allowed a league-high 51 goals.