Chelsea v Burnley: Team newspublished at 14:22 GMT 21 February
14:22 GMT 21 February
Image source, BBC Sport
Chelsea are without Estevao Willian and Marc Cucurella for Saturday's afternoon kick-off.
Pedro Neto and Reece James come into the side, among three changes from their last Premier League outing — a 2-2 draw with Leeds at Stamford Bridge 10 days ago.
The other change sees Josh Acheampong drop to the bench, with Wesley Fofana replacing him in defence.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez, James, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto, Caicedo, Andrey Santos, Palmer, Fernandez, Neto, Joao Pedro
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to Aston Villa v Leeds" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Bournemouth", for instance.
Chelsea v Burnley: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:36 GMT 20 February
19:36 GMT 20 February
Chris Adams BBC Sport journalist
Liam Rosenior's 100% record as Chelsea head coach may have come to an end last week, but his side's excellent league form since he took charge is indisputable and they will be big favourites to return to winning ways when struggling Burnley visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
Four wins and a draw under the Englishman have propelled them from eighth in the table to fifth, with Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro contributing nine of the Blues' 13 goals in those five games.
Blues know the score
Both players were on the scoresheet in the 2-2 draw with Leeds United on 10 February, the 24th league game in which the west London side have found the net this term. No team has scored in more individual games.
But while goals haven't been a problem under Rosenior or his predecessor Enzo Maresca, holding on to a lead has, especially at Stamford Bridge. No top-flight club has dropped more points from a winning position at home this season than Chelsea.
The Blues boast a more than favourable record against Burnley - they've lost just one of their 19 Premier League encounters, winning 13 of them.
Having lost 2-1 at home to Sunderland and 3-1 away at Leeds this term, Chelsea will want to avoid an unwanted first – they've never lost to all three promoted sides in a single league campaign before.
Parker on the precipice?
Any optimism Burnley fans gleaned from their remarkable comeback victory over Crystal Palace last week – a first league win in 17 games – was quickly extinguished when their side were dumped out of the FA Cup at the fourth round stage by Mansfield Town of League One.
With Burnley 19th in the table, nine points adrift of safety, head coach Scott Parker's position has come under increasing scrutiny and the league's worst defence – with 51 goals conceded – will surely be tested again against a free-scoring Chelsea side.
Jaidon Anthony's leveller against Palace, his sixth league goal of the campaign, made him the Clarets' top scorer this season and indeed the former Bournemouth forward leads the way for the Clarets in several attacking metrics.
Worryingly, ahead of a second successive Premier League trip to London, Burnley have conceded at least twice in each of their last eight top-flight away games in the capital.
In fact, the east Lancashire side haven't kept a clean sheet in any of their last 23 league away games in England's top tier, since a 2-0 win at Fulham in December 2023. It's the longest run by a side in the competition since Aston Villa's 26-game stint between February 2016 and July 2020.
Sutton's predictions: Chelsea v Burnleypublished at 18:37 GMT 20 February
18:37 GMT 20 February
So much for me thinking that Burnley might give their fans something to cheer about by going on a good FA Cup run.
After their brilliant fightback to beat Crystal Palace in their last league game, the Clarets made changes against Mansfield and went out on their own patch to a League One side.
I just can't see anything other than a home win for Chelsea here, even with their wobble last time at Stamford Bridge where Leeds fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 - Liam Rosenior's side won't let that happen again.
Parker on Broja's fitness, Anthony's form and Chelseapublished at 15:24 GMT 19 February
15:24 GMT 19 February
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Burnley boss Scott Parker has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (15:00 GMT).
You can listen to BBC Radio Lancashire's commentary on Saturday's game on 95.5FM, DAB & Freeview 712 with Gary Hunt & Glen Little.
Here are the key lines from Parker's news conference:
Parker confirmed Armando Broja will not be fit to return to his former club: "He has picked up a little bit of an issue, which has been ongoing for a few weeks now, and we have had to intervene. He shouldn't be too long - hopefully a couple of weeks from now."
He was asked about longer-term absentees Axel Tuanzebe and Connor Roberts: "Everyone else, apart from the long terms, is fit and well so we go down there with that squad. Axel the same[as Broja] - probably a couple of weeks away. Connor is more long term - I don't see him being available in the coming weeks or months."
On losing to League One Mansfield in the FA Cup after winning away at Crystal Palace in the Premier League: "There's definitely a comedown, for sure, and a little bit of a fallout. It's a game we had enough quality on the pitch to win. We lacked real quality in the final stages and that is where it can be really critical. We are hugely disappointed and frustrated with the result, coming off such a positive one against Palace. It was something we could build on but we let ourselves down."
On returning to his former club and facing Liam Rosenior: "I had some time there at Chelsea. Good experience. A fantastic football club and I am going up against Liam, who has done fantastically well in a short time. I came across him when he was assistant to Wayne [Rooney] at Derby and spent time in his company, and then he went abroad and did fantastically well. We are really looking forward to the game."
Asked if he retains the support of the club's hierarchy, Parker replied: "That question constantly comes up. I understand your questioning but I have been really consistent in what I have said. I understand it's a performance-driven business and we are working tirelessly to get the best out of this group of players, so we will carry on trying to do that."
On the form of top scorer Jadon Anthony: "There's still more [to come]. Jadon has done brilliantly this year in his first full season in the Premier League. He had a little dip but has bounced back very well. There's more and that will come with more experience and understanding of the league. He is a bright boy, hugely talented and just needs some time to progress. I have been hugely impressed by him."
They were more competitive and positive in every position on the pitch. Some of the play - and play-acting - was embarrassing.
We have heard so many times from the chairman and the manager this season that this is a side that won't stop fighting and that works hard.
I am sorry, but that simply isn't translating to the pitch. Football fans aren't stupid, we can see what is put in front of us.
I would despair at how bad this season has gotten, but I am not sure I have even got that in me any more.
I can't even bring myself to get angry and shout and scream at anyone. I just feel defeated. And I am not alone.
The Parker situation has gone past the point of no return now. Sure, he is out of his depth as a Premier League manager (Bournemouth and Fulham fans warned us, but we so desperately wanted it to work for him) but the bigger problem, for me, is the inaction from the board.
Either sack him or come out and openly explain what the plan is. Doing neither has left the club in limbo, the season written off and the fans perplexed at precisely what our goals are.
What is our transfer policy? What happens if Parker takes us up again next year? Why can't we just play in a Claret shirt?
Has Burnley FC got an identity crisis? The fans think so.
Anyway, 25 weeks until the start of the Championship...
Parker 'needs to keep his whole squad happy'published at 11:35 GMT 16 February
11:35 GMT 16 February
Image source, Getty Images
Burnley manager Scott Parker would have been trying to "keep his whole squad happy" with rotation in the FA Cup as they battle for Premier League survival, says former top-flight goalkeeper David James.
The Clarets fell victim to the shock of the FA Cup fourth round so far with their 2-1 home defeat by League One Mansfield, after boss Parker made nine changes to his side
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, James said: "If Burnley were mid-table, and a win or two away from guaranteed survival, then they can [make some changes]. They can say 'the team is in a good place now, let's make a few changes and go for the cup'.
"But if he doesn't play the players he played in that game, the nine changes, goes with his first team, even if they win then he is going to change them for the next Premier League game.
"The players that haven't been used at all in the leaguer would be thinking 'hang on, I'm not part of any kind of survival thing now'. If they're mid-table it is fine, but because they are in a relegation battle, he needs to keep his whole squad happy, but of course [Parker's] expecting to win."
With Burnley sitting 19th in the Premier League table, the cup exit at the hands of opposition two leagues lower has put the pressure on Parker's position.
"If he [Parker] is good for the Championship next year, which he might be, is likely to be, surely there's an argument that you get someone else in now to see out the rest of the Premier League and then they should be [thinking about bringing him back]," suggested James.
"If he can't keep them up then it doesn't matter whether someone else can. Bringing in someone else who you know at the end of another promotional season they're going to get into Premier League and do the same thing again, I mean you're only asking him [Parker] to do the same thing in two years time, surely?"
Ian: Simply not good enough from Scott Parker, the team or the chairman. Had enough watching this rubbish putting my hard-earned money and effort on a weekend. Not going until radical changes are made, season ticket or not! Worst performances this season I can remember and been a Claret 63 years.
Stan: What an insult to the fans, they took away the last bit of our season for no reason whatsoever. Rotation who do they think we are? Disgraceful disrespect.
Graeme: Pathetic. Why make so many changes when the so-called forwards could have found some form? The forwards who missed the easiest of chances should tear up their contracts and leave the club in shame and take the hopeless Parker with them.
Ian: We were toothless from start to finish. The squad players showed no desire to show what they can do. Too many times we looked weak on the ball. Barnes will always be a Burnley hero but his time has come to hang his boots up. Parker unfortunately has to go.
Mark: A terrible performance from an all-but-relegated side. A side lacking any belief in themselves or the manager and a board of directors who thought they could buy players cheapish and sell for big profits. Not this time Burnley, you've been found out.
John: The owner, manager and team should be ashamed of themselves. The perfect time to get a result and all we got was a group of players who looked they could not be bothered to even turn up, let alone give a display to give the fans some encouragement. Time for a clear out.
Is Parker's time up at Burnley?published at 11:45 GMT 15 February
11:45 GMT 15 February
Alex Brotherton BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Burnley are not the first, nor will they be the last, Premier League side to ring the changes for a cup game against lower opposition.
But having been dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Cardiff City back in September, the FA Cup was the supporters' only chance to distract themselves from looming relegation.
"It is embarrassing, the changes he made. Play your strongest team. He made nine changes, and the second half was embarrassing," former Burnley defender David Unsworth said on BBC Radio Lancashire.
"It is an embarrassing afternoon for Burnley. It gives the owner a decision to make now. He has to listen to the fans, they are not happy.
"For the first time I have witnessed all home ends of the stadium booing and disgruntlement. The owner has a decision to make."
Chairman Alan Pace, the leader of the club's owners ALK Capital, is not the most popular at Turf Moor either at the moment.
This week he angered fans when, during an interview with BBC Football Focus, he dismissed fan concerns as coming from those who "just play this game on a computer somewhere".
He went on to liken those same fans to three-year-old toddlers having a tantrum.
Pace used Saturday's programme notes to clarify his words, writing: "I did not intend for my words to upset, but I did mean what I was trying to say which was that, just because some are upset, does not mean that things are dire and without hope."
Many Burnley fans will be hoping Pace calls time on Scott Parker's spell in charge, though the former Premier League midfielder said he is confident is his own position at the club.
"I am very comfortable in my position at this present moment in time. We have lost a game of football today against a team we should be beating," Parker told BBC Sport.
"We had numerous chances. Of course you are always going to judge a result and today is a bad one, we take the flak for that, the team and myself."
Burnley 1-2 Mansfield: What Parker saidpublished at 19:04 GMT 14 February
19:04 GMT 14 February
Media caption,
Burnley boss Scott Parker, speaking to BBC Sport: "When I analyse the game, we missed too many chances today - glorious chances where we could have put the game out of sight. We weren't clinical enough, we missed some big chances and while it stays at 1-0, you are always on an edge and that was proven today.
"When you don't go through to the next round there will always be questions asked about that [team selection], but I don't think that was the main factor today. We lacked a little something in those final moments. That was where we have fallen way short today.
"What we didn't get was that little bit of quality which was needed. The fight and spirit... It was a team that had endeavour and trying for sure but the fine margins of what we do is that you need to put the ball in the net when you have big opportunities."
On confidence in his own position at the club: "Yes. More than confident and I have said that throughout. I'm sure someone has asked you to pass that question on to me. I am very comfortable in my position at this present moment in time. We have lost a game of football today against a team we should be beating. We had numerous chances. Of course you are always going to judge a result and today is a bad one, we take the flak for that, the team and myself."
Did you know?
Burnley lost a game having led at half time for the first time since November 2022 (5-2 v Sheffield United in the Championship), doing so in the FA Cup for the first time since January 2022 (2-1 v Huddersfield).
This is the first time since 2016-17 Burnley have been eliminated from the FA Cup by a side in the third tier or lower (1-0 v Lincoln in the fifth round).
Changes come back to bite Burnleypublished at 17:41 GMT 14 February
17:41 GMT 14 February
Ben Ramsdale BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Scott Parker made nine changes to the side that produced that brilliant comeback away at Crystal Palace in the Premier League in midweek and the weakened Clarets team ultimately came back to bite them.
Jacob Bruun Larsen, Ashley Barnes and Loum Tchaouna all missed gilt-edged chances to put the game beyond Mansfield on the day but their lack of game-time showed with rustiness in front of goal.
Parker's side finished with an expected goals tally of 3.82, their highest of the 2025-26 campaign by some distance - yet they were only able to find the net once.
Had any of the chances fallen to the likes of Jaidon Anthony or Zian Flemming, you would have fancied that they would have taken them.
It begs the question why exactly Parker made so many changes to a side that don't play again for seven days.
A League One opponent arguably provided the perfect opportunity to build momentum and claim two successive wins for just the third time this season.
After such a morale-boosting victory against Palace, the Clarets have been brought back down to Earth with a large bump.
With no cup competitions left to take part in and survival chances looking increasingly slim, it looks like it may well be another season to forget.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Burton v West Ham" of "ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v Brighton", for instance.
Parker on Ward-Prowse start, squad rotation and Mansfieldpublished at 14:24 GMT 13 February
14:24 GMT 13 February
Melissa Edwards BBC Sport journalist
Burnley boss Scott Parker has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup game against Mansfield Town at Turf Moor (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
January signing James Ward-Prowse, who featured as a substitute in the victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday, will start the match on Saturday.
On the 31-year-old's debut, Parker said: "I was really pleased he came on the other night, and I thought the time and the dynamics of the game when he came on, you could see the experience. So it's another opportunity for him to get minutes because he hasn't played a lot of football."
On team morale since the win at Selhurst Park: "It's been good, coming off the back of an important win for us that we've been searching for for a long time - it's lifted the mood. It's been a quick turnaround and our main focus has moved onto the game at the weekend. But generally upbeat and first and foremost, pleased for the players."
He added: "There's no denying that it's been a tough period and certainly our mood has always been pretty upbeat, it's never really been too drastic but there's been a little bit of frustration at times and a little hurt. Football clubs are often at their best when they come off the back of a good result."
Josh Laurent played in multiple positions against Palace and Parker said his versatility is "invaluable" because he is able to play him in any role and the 30-year-old will always perform for him.
On how his side will approach the FA Cup as they try to avoid relegation from the Premier League: "The next game is our next focus. Our performance in the last round was very, very good and that gave us momentum. We're looking forward to this game and it give the players an opportunity as well. This is a game we're going to approach and competition I hold real value in. We're going to go in there and put in a good performance and hopefully we can get through to the next round."
On squad rotation: "There's balance to it and that definitely is the case that we'll make some changes here to freshen things up and give players who've maybe not had a lot of football to give them football to keep them up to speed. We're going with a real full squad but we'll try and get a real balance for it."
Parker and Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough faced each other in a 1-1 draw in 2016; when Parker was playing for Fulham and Clough managed Burton Albion in the Championship. On the tie with Mansfield, Parker said: "It's a competition of which we will all hold fond memories of. It's a competition which can give us a real lift. It's a really tough game for us, we know what Nigel's teams are like. We need to bring our quality as well as understanding of what to expect."
'Too sensible and you won't get the big gigs' - has punditry gone too far?published at 06:19 GMT 13 February
06:19 GMT 13 February
Image source, Getty Images
Recently, Liverpool and the Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said former players-turned-pundits have a responsibility when discussing the performances of the current generation of footballers.
He believes they can stray into "clickbait" and have a possible impact on players' mental health.
On Thursday's episode of the More than the Score podcast, former Scotland international Pat Nevin and chief sports editor for Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf Marcel van der Kraan join John Bennett to discuss and analyse the modern world of punditry and the impact it can have on players and managers alike.
"As a player you do tend to take it to heart, especially when it feels a little personal," said Nevin.
"Generally, it isn't personal and the pundit is just having their opinion and we all kind of know where the lines are. But, the lines have been jumped over more often in recent years and I think Van Dijk is right about that.
"Because of the clickbait, it is so much easier to get more likes, views and work if you're a little bit more extreme. Ex-players aren't stupid and they know that. If you are too sensible and sit on the fence you won't get the big gigs.
"You have a dichotomy. Most ex-players would like to be balanced but they know if they are too balanced and sensible they won't be there next week.
"My criticism would always be constructive criticism which is explained. One-dimensional labeling of players should never happen. Sometimes if a big name says something enough it becomes accepted wisdom."
Van der Kraan added: "There are two different kinds of pundits; those who need to be on every week and those who are genuinely focused on what is right and what players should do.
"For Van Dijk, after so many years enough is enough.
"It all started after he came into the Netherlands team and became a big player at Liverpool. The first ex-player to really criticise him was Marco van Basten, saying he was not a leader. Van Dijk was biting his lip after every match because it became a bit of a stigma.
"Eventually it filtered to England and every time he had a bad game it became an open nerve."
Iain: Quite possibly the most depressing result of a miserable season. You can't be 2-0 at home to the team second from bottom and lose 3-2. Woeful performance in the second half. We looked clueless on the field and the manager seemed equally clueless with his substitutions.
Lee: Glasner's exit confirmation has rotted the squad. Players have downed tools. He's done nothing but moan about ambition and transfers. We won't go down. Sack him now; get Thomas Frank in for a bounce. Nothing to lose.
Leigh: An embarrassing seven minutes from a Palace perspective. Good performance overall, lots of chances created. Never should have lost. We created our own downfall.
Brian: I've been supporting Palace since third division South and it looks like they're going back.
Gary: Disgraceful. Pathetic. Nowhere near good enough. Feel sorry for Strand Larson, no service in second half. Why take Munoz off and put Sarr on the right? He's wasted out there. We miss Guehi's calmness in defence. I'm afraid we'll be out of Europe soon and finish in our usual place in the table 12-15th. The fun and happy days are over.
Burnley fans
Martin: We're going down - that has been evident for weeks, and this result changes nothing. As fans, we just want to see fight and determination every game until the end of the season. We haven't even managed that recently. Let's hope this game is a sign of things changing.
Andrew: Hannibal was magnificent. Everywhere. Inspiring all around him. Kyle Walker is a totally class act.
Bob: Much better but I fear too little too late! However let's keep it up and maybe… At least let's go down fighting. Whatever happens big changes need to happen.
John: The most incredible comeback by Burnley that I can remember in the many decades that my family have supported them.
Will 40-point mark be needed for Premier League survival?published at 13:43 GMT 12 February
13:43 GMT 12 February
Image source, Getty Images
The 40-point mark - or thereabouts - could be needed once again to guarantee Premier League survival this term, with an in-form West Ham United attempting to chase down the sides above them.
That mythical number has often been cited as the threshold at which managers, players and fans can relax - but the total has not actually been needed to stay up since 2010-11.
Prior to that the only other occasions clubs were demoted with 40 points or more were 1996-97, 1997-98 and 2002-03.
But could that be about to change?
West Ham, who are 18th in the top flight, are only three points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, who sacked manager Sean Dyche after Wednesday's goalless draw with Wolves.
While Tottenham - who sacked boss Thomas Frank on Wednesday - are 16th, another two points ahead of Forest.
West Ham's current points tally (24) is the most by any side in 18th at this stage of a campaign since 2019-20, when the Hammers recovered to stay up with 39 points.
Leeds also look to have found some momentum with recent wins over Fulham and Forest as well as draws at Everton and Chelsea.
In contrast, Spurs have managed a meagre four points from the previous 27 available to them.
Meanwhile, now managerless Forest have won just two of their past 10 games and fans of Brighton and Crystal Palace may also be looking over their shoulders.
The 14th-placed Seagulls (31 points) are on a dismal run having won just one top-flight game since 30 November.
Palace - who are a place and a point above Brighton - have only tasted victory once since 7 December and most recently let a two-goal lead slip as they lost to struggling Burnley.
That magic 40-point mark could well be needed once more to avoid dropping into the Championship.
'Survival is possible for Burnley' - Jagielka published at 09:07 GMT 12 February
09:07 GMT 12 February
Image source, Getty Images
Former Everton defender Phil Jagielka, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily Podcast: "It'll be really tough [for Burnley to survive relegation].
"They're relying on Leeds, Spurs, Forest and West Ham - four teams having an absolute nightmare end to the season - and them winning five or six on the spin.
"It is possible. I said they struggle to score goals and then in seven minutes they got three [against Palace].
"There's plenty of points to play for. They just need to keep forward, scoring more goals and see where it takes them."
Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 07:14 GMT 12 February
07:14 GMT 12 February
Pundits Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Somers to bring you the action and talking points from Tuesday's and Wednesday's Premier League fixtures.