Burnley v Chelsea, Premier League 2025 – full injury latest and predicted XIs for Turf Moor.
Burnley vs Chelsea is lighting up search feeds again as the London side head to Turf Moor looking to keep their top-four push on track. For fans in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the big question is simple: who is actually fit, and what will the starting lineups look like?
Chelsea team news: Palmer blow, Fernandez boost
Chelsea come into this game with a frustrating mix of good and bad news. The headline is the absence of Cole Palmer, who fractured his toe in a freak accident at home just as he was closing in on a return from a groin problem. The club expect him to be out for at least a couple of weeks, ruling him out of the trip to Burnley and other key fixtures on the schedule.1
Manager Enzo Maresca is still juggling minutes for several players returning from layoffs, but there are positives. Enzo Fernández is available again in midfield and is expected to start after building his fitness, while full-back Reece James has been easing his way back after an injury-hit spell and could be used from the start or as an impact option depending on match sharpness.2
Further forward, Chelsea’s wide options remain strong despite Palmer’s absence. Summer arrivals such as Pedro Neto and teenage star Estêvão have been heavily involved in recent line-up projections, giving Maresca pace and 1v1 ability on both flanks.3
Burnley injury latest: rebuilding on the fly
Burnley are still in the middle of a rebuild and have had their own fitness problems to manage. The back line has been reshaped with additions such as Axel Tuanzebe, while midfield has been reinforced by Lesley Ugochukwu, now an important figure in the centre of the pitch after his move from Chelsea.4
The Clarets have rotated heavily in recent weeks, but current reports suggest that most of their regulars are available. Any late knocks from training or international duty will likely influence the final XI, yet the expectation is that manager Vincent Kompany sticks close to the side that has been starting league matches either side of the international break.5
Chelsea expected lineup vs Burnley
Based on the most recent team-news round-ups and predicted XIs from specialist outlets, Chelsea are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 shape:3,6
- Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez
- Defence: Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella
- Double pivot: Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández
- Attacking three: Estêvão, João Pedro, Alejandro Garnacho
- Striker: Liam Delap
The big tactical talking point is how Chelsea replace Palmer’s creativity. Expect Estêvão and João Pedro to drift inside from the wings, with Garnacho attacking the far post and Delap offering a strong focal point in the box. Caicedo and Fernández should control the tempo and protect a back four that will be tested by Burnley’s direct running.
Burnley expected lineup vs Chelsea
Burnley are also expected to stay with a 4-2-3-1 system, leaning on a compact midfield and quick transitions in wide areas.5,7
- Goalkeeper: Martin Dúbravka
- Defence: Kyle Walker, Axel Tuanzebe, Maxime Estève, Quilindschy Hartman
- Double pivot: Josh Cullen, Florentino Luís
- Attacking three: Loum Tchaouna, Lesley Ugochukwu, Jaidon Anthony
- Striker: Zian Flemming
Kompany’s side will look to crowd central areas, deny space to Chelsea’s playmakers and then spring forward through Tchaouna and Anthony on the break. Ugochukwu, operating higher up the pitch than he did at Stamford Bridge, could be key in linking midfield to attack against his former club.
Key battles to watch
1. Chelsea’s full-backs vs Burnley’s wingers: If Gusto and Cucurella can pin Burnley back, Chelsea will spend long spells in the final third. If they get exposed 1v1, Burnley will find joy on the counter.
2. Midfield control – Caicedo & Fernández vs Cullen & Florentino: This is where the tempo will be set. Chelsea’s duo are favourites on paper, but Burnley’s pair are disciplined and happy to play without the ball.
3. Set-piece threat: With tall defenders on both sides, dead-ball situations could decide the match – particularly if chances from open play are limited.
How fans around the world can follow the game
For supporters across Tier-1 nations, local broadcasters and streaming platforms will carry the game live. TV partners such as official Premier League broadcasters list full regional schedules, while live-score services provide real-time stats, xG data and tactical heat maps for those following on mobile.8
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Early verdict
Chelsea arrive as favourites, but their margin for error is slim. Without Palmer, others must step up in the final third, while Burnley’s fresh-looking spine will fancy their chances of turning Turf Moor into a difficult road trip again. From London to Toronto, from Sydney to Auckland, fans will be watching closely to see which version of Chelsea shows up – and whether Burnley can spring a Premier League surprise.
