The final international pause of 2025 is over, and the Premier League returns with Burnley hosting Chelsea in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Burnley return to domestic action trying to halt a two-game skid, while Chelsea arrive in Lancashire chasing a third consecutive league win.
Chelsea went into the break full of confidence after a comfortable 3-0 win over a Wolves side in between managers.
Joao Pedro, Malo Gusto and former Wolves favourite Pedro Neto wrapped up the points at Stamford Bridge, building on the statement win away at Tottenham just before the pause.
Enzo Maresca’s team have produced a mixed collection of results, but only Arsenal and Manchester City have accumulated more points so far.
Chelsea sit third on 20 points and could close the gap on the leaders depending on Sunday’s North London derby outcome.
Recent history also leans their way: the Blues have won seven straight Premier League matches played in the Saturday 12.30pm slot and are on a run of two consecutive clean sheets away from home.
Burnley, meanwhile, need to steady a defence that has struggled under Scott Parker. Only Wolves and West Ham have conceded more goals this season, and the Clarets have let in 22 from their opening 11 matches.
Their last three league outings have shown both sides of their character: a dramatic 3-2 win over Wolves, followed by heavy defeats to Arsenal and West Ham.
Team news for Burnley v Chelsea
Chelsea had a minor concern during the international window when Jamie Bynoe-Gittens picked up a knock with England Under-21s, but he has recovered and is expected to feature.
There are bigger question marks over Enzo Fernandez (knee), Pedro Neto (groin) and Benoit Badiashile (unspecified). Dario Essugo (thigh), Cole Palmer (groin), Levi Colwill (knee), Romeo Lavia (thigh) and Mykhaylo Mudryk (doping ban) remain unavailable.
Alejandro Garnacho, who set up two goals against Wolves, is in line for a milestone appearance; he could become the youngest South American to reach 100 Premier League games at 21, overtaking Gabriel Martinelli’s age when he hit the century.
For Burnley, Armando Broja is expected to miss out against his former club after suffering an ankle injury on international duty. Jordan Beyer (thigh), Zeki Amdouni (knee) and Connor Roberts (Achilles) are also ruled out until 2026.
Lesley Ugochukwu is eligible to face his old side and should operate behind Zian Flemming, who has scored three times in four Premier League starts.
Expected line-ups for Burnley v Chelsea
Burnley: Dubravka; Walker, Tuanzebe, Esteve, Hartman; Florentino, Cullen; Bruun Larsen, Ugochukwu, Anthony; Flemming
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Estevao, Pedro, Garnacho; Delap
How to watch Burnley v Chelsea: TV channel, online stream
The match is scheduled for Saturday at 12.30pm. UK viewers can watch live on TNT Sports, with streaming available through the TNT Sports app and discovery+ depending on subscription.
The stats for Burnley v Chelsea
- Burnley have conceded 22 goals so far – the third-highest total in the league
- The Clarets have kept just two clean sheets in their last 31 Premier League fixtures
- Chelsea sit third with 20 points from 11 matches
- The Blues have won seven straight Premier League games played at 12.30pm on Saturdays
- Chelsea have kept back-to-back away clean sheets; they have not recorded three in a row since 2021
- Chelsea have won their last six Premier League visits to Turf Moor
Prediction
Zian Flemming gives Burnley a threat up front, but the hosts’ defensive issues remain too significant to ignore. Chelsea have found rhythm in recent weeks and should create enough opportunities to take control of the game, even with Barcelona looming in midweek.https://x.com/ChelseaFC/status/1991111092005961880
