Premier League Returns with Tense Turf Moor Clash
The Premier League resumed this afternoon with Chelsea travelling to face Burnley at Turf Moor in what promised to be a compelling encounter. Despite a challenging season at times for manager Enzo Maresca, his Chelsea side entered the match in a strong third place in the table. A victory would see them close the gap to just three points behind leaders Arsenal, setting up a tantalising clash between the two London rivals at Stamford Bridge next week.
However, the Blues had to navigate this fixture without their influential talisman, Cole Palmer, who is sidelined for several more weeks after fracturing his toe in a freak accident at home. Aside from this significant absence, Chelsea emerged from the final international break relatively unscathed, with their focus firmly on maintaining pressure at the top of the table.
Team News and Key Talking Points
The team sheets revealed a major talking point for Chelsea. Moises Caicedo, one of the world's leading midfielders, was named on the bench. Manager Enzo Maresca later explained this was a protective measure, citing the player's late return from international duty with Ecuador. Andrey Santos was given the nod to start in his place.
The starting line-ups were confirmed as follows:
Burnley XI: Dubravka, Walker, Tuanzebe, Esteve, Hartman, Luis, Cullen, Ugochukwu, Tchaouna, Anthony, Flemming.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez, James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella, Andrey Santos, Fernandez, Neto, Joao Pedro, Gittens, Delap.
Burnley's side featured former Chelsea players Lesley Ugochukwu in the starting eleven and Armando Broja on the bench, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the contest.
Match Action Unfolds at a Chilly Turf Moor
The match kicked off at 12:30pm on Saturday, November 22, 2025, in front of a vocal home crowd. The game began in controversial fashion when, after just five minutes, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez accidentally booted the ball into the back of Enzo Fernandez's head from close range. The referee stopped play to attend to the stricken player, leaving Burnley manager Scott Parker and the home supporters furious as their team had been in a promising attacking position.
Chelsea's first real chance came after ten minutes, but it was wasted. After winning the ball well, Liam Delap charged forward with Jobe Gittens in space to his left. Instead of making the pass, Delap opted for a long-range shot that sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.
Burnley made a positive and energetic start to the game. At the 13-minute mark, Jaidon Anthony broke free into the Chelsea box, only for his shot to be blocked by a last-ditch challenge from Andrey Santos. Moments later, Anthony found space again on the left, but his second effort was also blocked, this time by Tosin Adarabioyo.
The home side continued to look dangerous. Around the 20-minute mark, Bilal Tchaouna unleashed a well-struck, curling shot from distance, but it was hit straight at Sanchez in the Chelsea goal, who made a comfortable save. Chelsea won their first corner of the match soon after via a deflected shot from Pedro Neto. Reece James delivered a good ball into the area, but Burnley's goalkeeper Martin Dubravka did well to punch it clear.
As the first half progressed, the match remained finely poised at 0-0, with both teams showing endeavour but lacking the final decisive touch.
Context and Predictions
Prior to kick-off, the match odds from Betfair highlighted Chelsea's status as favourites, with a Blues win priced at 4/9. A draw was 11/4, while a Burnley victory was considered a 5/1 outsider bet.
Alan Shearer, the England legend and Betfair ambassador, had predicted a narrow Chelsea win, citing their unbeaten run and the tough nature of Turf Moor as factors. His prediction seemed to be holding weight as the Blues looked to control proceedings after weathering Burnley's early storm.
Beyond the immediate action, transfer speculation also surfaced, with former Chelsea star Joe Cole urging the club to consider a move for Bournemouth's in-form forward Antoine Semenyo, who has a reported £65 million release clause.
With the match still in the balance, the second half promised further drama as Chelsea sought the win to climb to second in the table and Burnley fought for what would be a valuable point in their battle to move away from the relegation zone.
