Chelsea vs Burnley preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

• Over 2.5 goals

• Chelsea to win

• Chelsea to score at least two goals

Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday as Burnley make the trip to Stamford Bridge. Liam Rosenior’s side were left frustrated after surrendering a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw to Leeds last time out, missing the opportunity to climb into the top four.

They now welcome a Burnley side reeling from a shock FA Cup exit and looking to steady themselves in league play. The Clarets are licking their wounds after a 2-1 loss to Mansfield Town, bringing them crashing back down to earth after a remarkable 3-2 league win at Crystal Palace.

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last five games, sitting fifth on the table after back to back wins over Wolves and West Ham before the draw against Leeds. Liam Rosenior has had a good time so far at Stamford Bridge and would be keen to clinch another win at home.

Burnley, for their part, have no option but to continue winning games at a time when their survival hopes are hanging by a thread. They have picked up only 18 points and currently lie in 19th position.

Chelsea are undefeated in their last 12 matches against Burnley in all competitions. They have also scored at least 2 goals in 12 of their last 13 matches against Burnley in all competitions, with their last meeting ending in a 2-0 win for the Blues.

In all, Chelsea and Burnley have faced each other 107 times, with Chelsea having the advantage: 43 wins, against 37 victories for Burnley. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea has an advantage in clashes against Burnley: 25 wins in 54 games. Burnley has 16 victories.

The last time Burnley won against Chelsea was back in 2017.

Cole Palmer is expected to return to the Chelsea squad after being left out previously, as his minutes are managed. Romeo Lavia is also back in contention, providing a boost in midfield.

Marc Cucurella will miss out due to a hamstring injury sustained against Leeds, with no confirmed timeline for his return.

Jamie Gittens, Filip Jorgensen, and Dario Essugo are not expected back before the end of the month, while Levi Colwill remains a long-term absentee.

Burnley have fewer concerns, with Axel Tuanzebe the only player nearing a return from injury, though he is not expected back until March.

Chelsea: Sánchez; James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Hato; Santos, Caicedo, Enzo; Palmer, Estêvão; João Pedro

Burnley: Dúbravka; Laurent, Worrall, Estève, Walker; Mejbri, Ugochukwu, Humphreys; Edwards, Flemming; Anthony

Chelsea will be eager to respond to their recent slip and should carry enough quality to control proceedings at home. Burnley’s struggles on the road suggest the Blues can reassert themselves and build momentum from the get go.

In all, Rosenior will hope to have the result wrapped up early in the second half, allowing him to rest some of his stars - including Cole Palmer - ahead of facing Arsenal eight days later.

Correct score prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Burnley