Chelsea vs Burnley Prediction headlines Premier League build-up as Chelsea prepare to host Burnley on Saturday, 21 February 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM GMT (8:30 PM IST) at Stamford Bridge in London, where the Blues will look to extend their strong run of home form. This weekend’s contest carries significant implications for both sides: Chelsea aim to consolidate a push towards the top five, while Burnley are embroiled in a battle to climb out of the relegation zone. Focus on the Chelsea vs Burnley Lineups and team news suggests this fixture could tilt in favour of the hosts, but Clarets’ resilience cannot be discounted ahead of what promises to be a compelling encounter.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea’s build-up to this clash has been shaped by selection headaches and encouraging momentum from recent fixtures. Manager Liam Rosenior will be without several key defenders and midfielders, notably Marc Cucurella, who continues to nurse a hamstring injury and missed recent action, including the FA Cup win over Hull City. Other absentees include Robert Sanchez, Trevoh Chalobah and Carney Chukweumeka, all ruled out through injuries, placing emphasis on the depth available to the home side.
Despite the injury list, Chelsea enjoyed a morale-boosting 4-0 FA Cup victory over Hull City, with Pedro Neto starring with a hat-trick in midweek — an inspirational display that could influence team selection for this league showdown. Chelsea’s creativity in front of goal has improved recently, with Neto’s performance and contributions from players like João Pedro and Cole Palmer adding attacking options.
Rosenior has indicated that the Blues will field a strong lineup to maintain their push for European qualification, balancing rotation with the need for consistency in the Premier League. Chelsea’s injury concerns mean some players will be rested or rotated, but the squad still possesses quality across the pitch as they look to make the most of home advantage.
Burnley Team News
Burnley arrive at Stamford Bridge under pressure in the relegation fight, with the Clarets sat in the bottom three and seeking a crucial point that could boost survival hopes. Recent form has been challenging, compounded by a humbling FA Cup elimination against Mansfield Town, where they were beaten 2-1 by lower-league opposition.
Burnley’s squad for this trip features a few injury concerns of their own. Long-term absentees such as Jordan Beyer, Connor Roberts, Josh Cullen and Axel Tuanzebe remain sidelined, weakening options in defence and midfield. Their absence forces manager Scott Parker into tactical adjustments, often opting for experienced heads alongside younger players to stabilise the team.
French midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu — on Burnley’s books after joining from Chelsea — has added leadership and attacking intent in midfield, while forward Zian Flemming will hope to continue his strong goal-scoring form in the Premier League. The Clarets have struggled to contain top-flight attacks this season, a pattern that could be exposed against a potent Chelsea forward line.
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Chelsea vs Burnley Lineups
Selection speculation ahead of this clash has centred on a tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 for Chelsea, while Burnley may line up in a more compact 3-4-2-1 formation to absorb pressure and spring forward on the counter.
Predicted Chelsea Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Robert Sánchez
- RB: Malo Gusto
- CB: Josh Acheampong
- CB: Trevoh Chalobah
- LB: Jorrel Hato
- CM: Moisés Caicedo
- CM: Andrey Santos
- RW: Estevao
- CAM: Cole Palmer
- LW: Enzo Fernández
- ST: João Pedro
This Chelsea Starting XI has defensive solidity as well as attacking creativity, emphasising pace and technical ability to unlock Burnley’s backline.
Predicted Burnley Starting XI (3-4-2-1)
- GK: Martin Dúbravka
- CB: Josh Laurent
- CB: Joe Worrall
- CB: Maxime Estève
- RWB: Kyle Walker
- LWB: Bashir Humphreys
- CM: Lesley Ugochukwu
- CM: Hannibal Mejbri
- AMR: Marcus Edwards
- AML: Jaidon Anthony
- ST: Zian Flemming
Burnley’s selection prioritises midfield compactness and transitional breaks, using Ugochukwu’s physical presence and Flemming’s finishing ability to test Chelsea’s defensive resolve.
Chelsea vs Burnley Prediction: Who Will Win the Match?
The Chelsea vs Burnley Prediction landscape heavily favours the home side, with most pundits tipping a comfortable Blues victory. Analytical models and betting forecasts suggest that Chelsea’s attacking threat, combined with superior squad depth and form at Stamford Bridge, gives them a significant edge in this clash.
Burnley’s recent struggles, particularly in defence and consistency, paint a tough picture for their survival hopes. The Clarets’ ability to counterattack and frustrate stronger opponents has been noted, but this requires disciplined execution and clinical finishing against a well-organised Chelsea unit.
If Chelsea start fast, this could even turn into a 3–0 result but a 3–1 home win looks the most balanced projection.
As teams prepare to finalise their Chelsea vs Burnley Lineups, supporters are bracing for a match that could shape the remainder of both clubs’ Premier League campaigns.
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