Bournemouth vs Burnley Prediction | Premier League 2025/26 | EPL Prediction | Dec 20 – Can Burnley Finally Snap their 5-Game Losing Streak?

The atmosphere at the Vitality Stadium is set to be electric as two sides with vastly different trajectories collide in this Premier League clash. The Cherries come into this fixture looking to stabilize their standing after a run of high-octane but inconsistent performances under Andoni Iraola. On the other side, the visitors are in a full-blown crisis, arriving on the south coast fresh off a demoralizing streak of seven consecutive defeats.

Bournemouth vs Burnley Match Details at a Glance

Injury News and Suspensions

Bournemouth

Andoni Iraola faces a few headaches regarding his squad depth. Tyler Adams is currently nursing a knock and remains doubtful for the weekend, while Matai Akinmboni is struggling with a muscle issue. The long-term absentees are piling up slightly, with Veljko Milosavljevic out until late February 2026 with a knee injury.

Burnley

Scott Parker’s job isn’t getting any easier with a depleted roster. Hannibal Mejbri is suspended, removing some bite from the midfield. There are confusing reports regarding Lyle Foster and Axel Tuanzebe, listed with international duty commitments, yet they remain vital to the potential starting XI.

Bournemouth vs Burnley Head-to-Head Records

Bournemouth vs Burnley Form Guide

Bournemouth

Sitting in 13th place, the hosts have been the definition of a “wildcard” this season. Under Iraola, their identity is clear: aggressive, suffocating pressing and lightning-fast transitions. However, this high-risk approach has left them vulnerable at the back, leading to inconsistent results. Attacking-wise, they rely heavily on the pace of Evanilson and the creative spark of Semenyo to exploit gaps.

Burnley

The situation for the Clarets is becoming desperate. Languishing in 19th place with a meager 10 points, Parker’s men are in a tailspin. Having suffered seven consecutive defeats as of mid-December, confidence is likely at rock bottom. While Parker attempts to implement a methodical build-up play, the execution has been lacking. The defense, marshalled by Estève, has been brittle and prone to individual errors, while the attack has shown a significant lack of cutting edge.

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Bournemouth vs Burnley Key Battles

Evanilson vs Maxime Estève

Based on the players available, a likely key duel is the pacey Evanilson up against Burnley’s defensive anchor. Evanilson has been the focal point of the Cherries’ attack, using his speed to run into channels and stretch defenses. His ability to press high will be crucial in disrupting the visitors’ attempts to build from the back.

Maxime Estève, on the other hand, has the unenviable task of holding together a leaky defense. As one of the key defensive figures for Parker, he needs to have the game of his life. He must be physical with Evanilson and ensure he doesn’t get turned easily.

Antoine Semenyo vs Quilindschy Hartman

Another fascinating battle takes place on the flank. Semenyo has been a bright spark for the home side, offering drive, creativity, and a willingness to shoot from range. His role in Iraola’s system is not just attacking; he is the trigger for the press in wide areas. He will look to isolate the full-back and cut inside to unleash shots or find teammates in the box.

Facing him is likely to be Hartman. The defender needs to be disciplined, ensuring he doesn’t commit too early and allow Semenyo to skip past him. Hartman will also have to be wary of the overlap from the home side’s full-backs. However, if Hartman can pin Semenyo back by advancing up the pitch himself, he might nullify one of the hosts’ biggest threats, though leaving space behind against this opposition is a dangerous game.

Bournemouth vs Burnley Tactical Outlook

Andoni Iraola is almost certain to set the Cherries up in his preferred 4-2-3-1 or a fluid 4-4-2 hybrid out of possession. The game plan will be simple: chaos. Expect the home side to engage the visitors high up the pitch, targeting the Clarets’ center-backs and goalkeeper to force turnovers in dangerous areas. With Tavernier and Kluivert supporting the attack, they will look to overload the central zones and transition vertically the moment they win the ball.

For the visitors, Scott Parker faces a tactical dilemma. His philosophy relies on structure and possession, but confidence is too low to play risky passes out from the back against one of the league’s best pressing teams. We might see a slightly more pragmatic 5-4-1 or a rigid 4-5-1 in defensive phases, trying to clog the midfield with Cullen and Ugochukwu. The plan will likely involve absorbing pressure and trying to release Foster (if he plays) or Broja into the space left by the advancing home full-backs.

Bournemouth vs Burnley Possible Playing Squad

Bournemouth XI:

Petrovic (GK), Smith, Senesi, Diakité, Truffert, Scott, Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo, Jimenez, Evanilson

Burnley XI:

Dubravka (GK), Estève, Tuanzebe, Ekdal, Hartman, Cullen, Ugochukwu, Florentino, Bruun Larsen, Foster, Broja

Bournemouth vs Burnley Match Prediction

 Parker’s side looks devoid of ideas and fragile at the back. Trying to play “methodical” football against Iraola’s swarm usually results in losing possession 30 yards from your own goal. Unless the visitors find a miraculous defensive resolve they haven’t shown in months, this looks like a comfortable evening for the hosts. Expect the home side to dominate the chances created and force several errors from the away defense.

Score Prediction

Bournemouth 3–1 Burnley; The Cherries’ relentless energy should overwhelm a fragile Clarets defense, with Evanilson likely capitalizing on high turnovers.