UPDATE: Chelsea is set to take on struggling Burnley today, February 21, 2026, at 3 p.m. GMT (10 a.m. ET) in a pivotal Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. This clash is critical for both teams: Chelsea aims to secure a Champions League spot, while Burnley fights to avoid relegation.
The Blues, currently in fifth place, are looking to capitalize on their home advantage after a mixed run of form. Under the leadership of manager Liam Rosenior, Chelsea’s recent performances at home have shown promise, particularly in Saturday 3 p.m. fixtures where they have excelled. They enter the match confident, having won most of their recent league games at home.
Burnley, on the other hand, struggles at 19th place in the league, battling relegation with a dismal away record and significant defensive weaknesses. The Clarets are without key players due to injuries and suspensions, making their task even more daunting against a Chelsea side known for its attacking prowess.
Team News: Chelsea is without several key players including Marc Cucurella (hamstring) and Roméo Lavia (managed return). Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez is expected to start, while Reece James returns to captain the side. Cole Palmer is anticipated to shine after his recent form.
Burnley will field a makeshift lineup, struggling with depth and missing critical players. They are expected to revert to a stronger eleven, but still face an uphill battle against Chelsea’s attacking options.
Predicted Lineups:
– **Chelsea (4-2-3-1):** Sánchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto/Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernández, Neto; João Pedro.
– **Burnley (4-2-3-1):** Dubravka; Walker, Worrall, Estève, Ugochukwu; Humphreys, Edwards; Anthony, Flemming, Hannibal; Laurent.
Prediction: Chelsea is heavily favored, with common scoreline forecasts predicting a comfortable win of 3-1 or 2-0. Their superior quality and depth, particularly with players like Palmer and João Pedro, could overwhelm Burnley’s defense, which has struggled significantly this season.
Key matchups to watch include Palmer’s ability to exploit space against Burnley’s midfield and João Pedro’s testing of their backline. Chelsea’s pressing style and quick transitions may further expose Burnley’s slow build-up play.
How to Watch: The match will be streamed live in the United States exclusively on Peacock. In the UK, due to the traditional 3 p.m. Saturday blackout, there will be no live domestic broadcast, but highlights can be found later on BBC and Sky Sports. International viewers can check local broadcasters like Star Sports in India, SuperSport in Africa, and DAZN in selected regions.
As Chelsea looks to build momentum for the remainder of the season, Burnley is in survival mode, desperately seeking points to escape the relegation zone. Fans can expect an intense battle as both sides fight for crucial outcomes. Tune in for what promises to be a thrilling encounter!
