The Premier League returns after the international break and on paper the game looks one-sided with the visitors likely to win – but in the best league in the world, the underdog’s story is never far away.

Burnley’s match against Chelsea kicks off 1:30 early and Enzo Maresca’s side travel to Turf Moor in search of a win that would not only put them within striking distance of league leaders Arsenal but also give them the consistency in the league that fans crave. Scott Parker’s side will defy expectations and make a statement in front of their home fans.

With Chelsea struggling to climb the table and Burnley desperate to convert their performances into results to avoid being dragged into the relegation zone, the prospect of this clash is more interesting than the league table suggests.

Burnley’s game against Manchester United was a tricky one, with only Bruno Fernandes’ penalty in the 97th minute giving the Red Devils all three points. If the club can perform in the same fearless manner against the Club World Cup champions, they will certainly have something to celebrate at the end of the 90 minutes.

Burnley vs Chelsea Preview

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The Clarets’ return to the Premier League has been a difficult one. This season, they have lost seven of 11 games and conceded 22 goals. The Clarets have struggled against teams in the top half of the Premier League, with four of their defeats coming against teams currently in the top seven.

Scott Parker’s side are in 17th place with 10 points and are battling for the relegation zone with West Ham United, Wolves and Nottingham Forest. When Burnley face Chelsea, he expects them to frustrate the visitors – if possible, adapting their system through a five-man defense that goes deep, stays compact and looks to exploit set-piece opportunities. His approach to Saturday’s game will be to achieve a positive result and prove that Burnley can hold their own against stronger opponents in the league.

With the pressure mounting and the relegation battle intensifying, their manager will be hoping his side can turn the season around with good results when Chelsea arrive.

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Despite losing key men Cole Palmer and Levi Colwell, two players crucial to their style of play, Enzo Maresca’s side still impressed, posting an impressive result to climb into third place. After 11 games, they rank second in the league in goals scored (21). Even without their talisman, the Blues are still one of the teams with the highest shots per game in the league and are far ahead in terms of chances created, having created 37 so far.

Despite facing a Burnley side that has conceded 22 goals, fans remain skeptical as they are wary of specific teams against the Clarets. Is it the team that beat Liverpool a few weeks ago, or is it the team that gave up a 1-0 lead to another newly promoted team, Sunderland, and ultimately lost the game at the last minute?

Chelsea’s last three meetings with newly promoted teams have either been frustrating draws or disappointing defeats and with another new side in the Championship they will be keen to break that pattern. This game provides an opportunity for the Blues to reassert their dominance and prove they can handle the teams they are expected to beat.

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key figures

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Jayden Anthony

In a team full of instability, Englishman Jayden Anthony is one of Burnley’s best players this season, scoring 4 goals and 1 assist, firmly establishing himself as the club’s top scorer. His goals and assists in the Championship were instrumental in helping Burnley gain promotion to the Premier League, and he has since become a reliable outlet in the final third – a player who can carry the ball, create transition and create decisive moments when his team needs it most.

Against Chelsea, the Clarets will be hoping Anthony can once again be a key figure, using his pace and directness to exploit space on the break and give Burnley a chance against one of the league’s toughest opponents.

Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker is regarded as a Premier League legend, winning six league titles and one Champions League with Manchester City. He is Burnley’s undisputed starter and his pace and years of experience are invaluable to the team.

Having started in all of Burnley’s games this season, he is also expected to start against the Blues as his presence at the back provides not only experience and composure but also the organizational discipline Burnley need to deal with Chelsea’s attacking threats.

At 35 years old, Walker is still very quick, which gives him the ability to recover his position, detect danger early and organize the backline.

In a game like this, Burnley will once again rely on Walker’s elite mentality and big-race pedigree to lead the team through difficult moments and remain competitive against stronger opponents.

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Estevo William

There has been excitement around the young Brazilian since his days at Palmeiras and his performances at Chelsea have fully justified that excitement. The Blues teenager has impressed from his first pre-season appearance and despite early concerns over his fitness and suitability for English football, the 18-year-old has silenced the noise and allowed his talent to speak for itself.

Estevo’s last goal came against Senegal in Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers, and he is tied with another Brazilian, Joao Pedro, as the Blues’ top scorer this season. Affectionately known as “Steve” by Chelsea fans, despite playing less time, he created 3 excellent opportunities. He ranked fourth in the league in dribbles per 90 minutes, averaging 3.7 per game, with a dribble success rate of 43.8%.

It is unclear whether Enzo Maresca will start the Brazilian against Burnley as he is carefully managing the player’s minutes and gradually acclimating him to English football. However, if he does start, fans can expect him to be dynamic in attack, with his creativity, pace and technical ability potentially causing serious problems for Burnley’s defence.

Moises Caicedo

Ecuadorian Moises Caicedo is a key figure in Enzo Maresca’s formation. He moves in front of the defense and is an important link between the defense and the attack. This season he has added goals to his resume, showing his ability to reach deep into the penalty area and make a decisive contribution in the final third, with the power and accuracy of his finishing one of his main strengths.

The midfield partnership of Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez provides the perfect balance for Maresca’s side. Caicedo – who has been likened to Arsenal’s Declan Rice – provides defensive stability, ball recovery and energy, while Fernandes brings creativity, vision and forward momentum, making them a complementary duo capable of controlling the game and controlling the tempo in midfield, which is vital for any side aspiring to compete for the Premier League title or qualify for the Champions League.

head to head

The last eight Premier League games at Turf Moor:

• 1 Burnley vs. chelsea 4
• 0 Burnley vs. chelsea 4
• 0 Burnley vs. chelsea 3
• 2 Burnley vs. chelsea 4
• 0 Burnley vs. chelsea 4
• 1 Burnley vs. chelsea 2
• 1 Burnley vs Chelsea 1
• 1 Burnley vs. chelsea 3

Chelsea have dominated recent history and are unbeaten in their last eight games against Burnley since 2014 – seven wins and one draw. The Blues have won five of their last five Premier League games at Turf Moor, with an aggregate score of 19-3.

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Betting Tips

In the last eight meetings between the two sides, multiple goals often occurred, with the scores being 4-1, 4-0, and 4-2 respectively. With Chelsea’s recent attack starting to click, another high-scoring run is likely.

Chelsea have won five of their last five Premier League games against Burnley. With their strong record and current form, Chelsea have a strong chance of winning.

Final Bet: Chelsea to win | Over 2.5 goals | Chelsea clean sheet

in conclusion

A win for Burnley would provide them with much-needed breathing space and put a gap between themselves and the relegation zone, as they are currently level on 10 points with West Ham United.

A win would boost the team’s confidence and morale, potentially giving them the boost they need to tackle the competition during the busy festive period as they aim to climb the table and secure Premier League survival.

While Chelsea will be careful not to underestimate their opponents, they will be looking to prove their quality and secure a win that could secure them a crucial place in the Premier League title race and Champions League qualification, cementing their status as serious challengers.

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Credit: IMAGO/Professional Sports Photos

Record date: November 8, 2025