Burnley vs Fulham Match Preview: Premier League Showdown at Turf Moor

Match Details

Competition: Premier League 2025/26 – Matchday 16
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Kick-off Time: 17:30 GMT (12:30 PM ET)
Venue: Turf Moor, Burnley, England
Referee: TBC

Current League Standings & Form

Burnley – Fighting for Survival

Position: 19th Place
Points: 10 points from 15 matches
Record: 3 wins, 1 draw, 11 losses
Goals Scored: 15 | Goals Conceded: 28
Goal Difference: -13

Recent Form (Last 6 Matches): L-L-L-L-L-L
Burnley are enduring their worst period of the season, having lost six consecutive matches across all competitions. The Clarets sit dangerously in the relegation zone, four points from safety, and desperately need a victory to reignite their survival hopes.

Last Five Results:

• Newcastle 2-1 Burnley (Dec 6) – Premier League
• Burnley 0-1 Crystal Palace (Dec 3) – Premier League
• Brentford 3-1 Burnley (Nov 29) – Premier League
• Burnley 0-2 Chelsea (Nov 22) – Premier League
• West Ham 3-2 Burnley (Nov 8) – Premier League

Fulham – Struggling for Consistency

Position: 15th Place
Points: 17 points from 14 matches
Record: 5 wins, 2 draws, 7 losses
Goals Scored: 19 | Goals Conceded: 22
Goal Difference: -3

Recent Form (Last 6 Matches): L-L-W-W-W-W
The Cottagers have been inconsistent this campaign, with recent back-to-back defeats halting what had been promising momentum. Marco Silva’s side sit seven points clear of the relegation zone but need to improve their away form.

Last Five Results:

• Fulham 1-2 Crystal Palace (Dec 7) – Premier League
• Newcastle 4-1 Everton (Nov 29) – Premier League (Fulham not involved)
• Brentford 2-3 Fulham (Nov 18) – Premier League
• Fulham 1-3 Everton (Nov 10) – Premier League
• Southampton 1-2 Fulham (Oct 26) – Premier League

Head-to-Head Record

The recent history between these two sides heavily favors Burnley, who have dominated this fixture:

Last 5 Meetings:

• Burnley 2-2 Fulham (Feb 3, 2024) – Premier League
• Fulham 0-2 Burnley (Dec 23, 2023) – Premier League
• Fulham 0-2 Burnley (May 10, 2021) – Premier League
• Burnley 1-1 Fulham (Feb 17, 2021) – Premier League
• Fulham 0-3 Burnley (Jan 24, 2021) – FA Cup

Overall Head-to-Head Stats:

• Burnley wins: 9
• Fulham wins: 3
• Draws: 4
• Burnley unbeaten in 5 consecutive meetings
• Burnley have an incredible unbeaten run of 28 home league games against Fulham dating back to 1951

Key Statistics:

• Burnley have scored 10 goals in their last 5 meetings
• Fulham have managed just 3 goals in those same fixtures
• 9 of the last 10 Burnley matches ended Under 2.5 goals
• 9 of the last 10 Fulham matches featured Both Teams to Score

Team News & Injuries

Burnley Injury List

Out:

• Lucas Pires (Suspension – sent off vs Newcastle)
• Zeki Amdouni (Cruciate ligament injury – out until mid-January 2026)
• Jordan Beyer (Knee injury – out until mid-January 2026)
• Connor Roberts (Knee injury – expected return mid-December)
• Bashir Humphreys (Muscular injury)

Key Players Available:

• Josh Cullen (Midfielder – 2 goals, 1 assist)
• Lyle Foster (Forward – 4 goals this season)
• Martin Dubravka (Goalkeeper – former Newcastle player)

Fulham Injury List

Out:

• Ryan Sessegnon (Hamstring injury)
• Antonee Robinson (Knee injury – return date uncertain)
• Rodrigo Muniz (Thigh injury – out until mid-February)

Key Players Available:

• Harry Wilson (Forward – 3 goals, spectacular form including a stunning trivela goal vs Palace)
• Raúl Jiménez (Forward – 2 goals, 1 assist)
• Alex Iwobi (Midfielder – 2 goals, 2 assists)
• Samuel Chukwueze (Winger – 2 goals, 3 assists)

Tactical Analysis

Burnley’s Approach

Manager Scott Parker will likely deploy a defensive 4-4-2 or 5-4-1 formation, prioritizing solidity at the back following their recent defensive frailties. The Clarets have conceded at least twice in each of their opening eight away games and will look to avoid similar issues at home.

Strengths:

• Home advantage at Turf Moor
• Strong recent record against Fulham
• Set-piece threat

Weaknesses:

• Six consecutive defeats have shattered confidence
• Missing key defender Lucas Pires through suspension
• Worst home record in the division (2 wins, 1 draw, 7 losses)
• Lowest goals from inside the box in the Premier League (15)

Fulham’s Game Plan

Marco Silva typically favors a possession-based 4-2-3-1 formation, with an emphasis on ball retention and attacking through the flanks. However, their away form remains a significant concern.

Strengths:

• Harry Wilson in exceptional form
• Good technical quality in midfield
• Can dominate possession

Weaknesses:

• Terrible away record (1 win, 1 draw, 5 losses)
• Haven’t won away from home in the Premier League since opening weekend
• Lost 6 of last 8 away games against promoted sides
• Failed to score in 10 Premier League matches this season (most in the division)
• Poor record at Turf Moor historically

Key Battles

Josh Cullen vs Alex Iwobi
Both midfielders are pivotal to their team’s play. Cullen’s distribution (41.6 passes per match) and ability to break up play will clash with Iwobi’s creativity and technical ability.

Lyle Foster vs Joachim Andersen
Foster has been one of Burnley’s brightest sparks when available, and the South African striker will need to win his battles against Fulham’s experienced center-back to give Burnley a chance.

Harry Wilson vs Burnley’s Defense
Wilson has been in sensational form, scoring a stunning trivela goal against Crystal Palace. His ability to create moments of magic could be the difference in a tight match.

Statistical Insights

Scoring Trends:

• Burnley average 1.13 goals scored and 2.1 goals conceded per match
• Fulham average 1.58 goals scored and 1.6 goals conceded per match
• Under 2.5 goals occurred in 4 of the last 5 meetings between these teams

Possession Stats:

• Burnley average 39.8% possession this season
• Fulham average 50.3% possession, indicating they will likely control the ball

Shots Per Game:

• Burnley: 8 shots per match (3 on target)
• Fulham: 11.7 shots per match (3.8 on target)

Betting Odds & Market Analysis

Match Result (Approximate Odds):

• Burnley Win: 2.80 (+180)
• Draw: 3.40 (+240)
• Fulham Win: 2.50 (+150)

Goals Market:

• Over 2.5 Goals: 2.00 (+100)
• Under 2.5 Goals: 1.85 (-118)
• Both Teams to Score: 2.10 (+110)

Anytime Goalscorer:

• Harry Wilson: 3.30 (+230)
• Lyle Foster: 3.60 (+260)
• Raúl Jiménez: 3.50 (+250)

Expert Prediction & Analysis

This fixture presents a fascinating clash between two struggling sides desperate for points. Burnley’s remarkable home record against Fulham spanning 73 years suggests they have a psychological edge, but their current form is disastrous. The Clarets are in free-fall with six consecutive defeats and look devoid of confidence.

Fulham, despite their own struggles, have superior quality throughout the squad. However, their away form has been abysmal, and they have consistently failed to perform at Turf Moor historically. The absence of Lucas Pires weakens Burnley’s defense, but Fulham’s injury concerns to Robinson and Muniz also limit their options.

Given Burnley’s desperation, home advantage, and historical dominance in this fixture, they should come out fighting. However, their defensive vulnerabilities and loss of confidence are major concerns. Fulham’s quality, particularly through Harry Wilson, could prove decisive if they can overcome their away-day demons.

The statistical trends suggest a low-scoring affair with both teams struggling to find the net consistently. Four of the last five meetings produced under 2.5 goals, and Burnley’s matches have been particularly low-scoring this season.

Score Prediction

Burnley 1-1 Fulham

Verdict

This match has all the hallmarks of a tense, cagey affair between two sides lacking confidence. Burnley’s desperation to end their losing streak will be matched by Fulham’s determination to address their woeful away record.

While Fulham possess more quality on paper, Burnley’s impressive historical record at home against the Cottagers cannot be ignored. The hosts will make Turf Moor a difficult place to visit, and with both teams struggling for goals, a draw appears the most likely outcome.

A share of the spoils does neither team any significant favors in their respective battles – Burnley remain in the relegation zone while Fulham’s mid-table mediocrity continues. However, given the circumstances, both managers would likely accept a point.

Key to the Match:

• Burnley must capitalize on set-pieces and home advantage
• Fulham need to break their away-day curse
• Harry Wilson’s creativity could unlock a stubborn Burnley defense
• The first goal will be crucial in determining the outcome

This promises to be a compelling encounter where nerves, determination, and individual quality will all play decisive roles. Both teams need the three points desperately, but a hard-fought draw seems the most realistic result given the current form and circumstances surrounding both clubs.