Match Information
Match Overview
This Regular Season Matchday 29 fixture represents a crucial mid-season encounter between two teams with contrasting fortunes in the Premier League table. Everton, sitting comfortably in 8th position with 40 points from 28 games, will be looking to consolidate their mid-table security and potentially push for a European spot. Meanwhile, Burnley finds themselves in a precarious 19th position with just 19 points from 28 matches, desperately needing points to climb out of the relegation zone.
The injury situation could significantly impact this match, particularly for Burnley who arrive at Hill Dickinson Stadium with seven players unavailable. Key absences include striker Armando Broja, defender Axel Tuanzebe with an Achilles tendon injury, midfielder Josh Cullen with a knee problem, and Zeki Amdouni also sidelined with a knee injury. These missing players represent significant attacking and defensive resources that Scott Parker's side can ill afford to lose given their current league position. The absence of Cullen in particular removes a vital midfield presence and leadership figure from their setup.
Everton's recent form has been inconsistent but shows glimpses of quality, with their last outing resulting in a 3-2 away victory at Newcastle, demonstrating their ability to secure results on the road. Under Leighton Baines' guidance, they've managed to maintain a positive goal difference and have shown resilience in difficult matches. Burnley's form has been concerning, with their most recent match ending in a heavy 4-3 home defeat to Brentford, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued them throughout the campaign.
The venue factor could prove decisive, as Everton will be eager to capitalize on home advantage to distance themselves further from any relegation concerns while potentially eyeing a push toward the top half of the table.
Predicted Lineups
Everton
Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Beto
Burnley
Dubravka; Humphreys, Worrall, Esteve; Laurent, Ward-Prowse, Mejbri, Lucas Pires; Bruun Larsen, Anthony; Flemming
Team Form Analysis
Everton
Everton Form Analysis
Everton's recent form presents a mixed picture of resilience and inconsistency that reflects their mid-table position. Their last five matches show three defeats alongside a crucial away victory at Newcastle and a draw with Brighton, suggesting a team capable of competing but lacking the consistency for a sustained push up the table. The 3-2 victory at St. James' Park was particularly encouraging, demonstrating their ability to score goals and secure results away from home against quality opposition.
Defensively, Everton have shown both strength and vulnerability in recent weeks. While they've managed to keep clean sheets in some matches, they've also conceded multiple goals in others, including shipping four goals at home to Brentford in early January. The defensive partnership of Tarkowski and Branthwaite has generally been solid, but they've occasionally been exposed by pace and movement in the final third.
Going forward, the Toffees have relied heavily on the creativity of players like Ndiaye and McNeil, while striker Beto has provided a focal point in attack. Their recent performances suggest a team with the technical ability to compete in the Premier League but one that needs to find greater consistency to achieve their objectives this season.
Burnley
Burnley Form Analysis
Burnley's recent form tells the story of a team fighting desperately against relegation but struggling to find the consistency needed to climb the table. Their last five matches include three defeats, one draw, and one victory, with the most concerning aspect being their defensive fragility. The recent 4-3 home defeat to Brentford exemplified their season-long struggles, where they've shown they can score goals but consistently fail to keep clean sheets.
Under Scott Parker's management, Burnley have attempted to play more expansive football but this approach has often left them exposed defensively. Their away form has been particularly problematic, with just two wins on the road all season and a tendency to concede early goals that put them on the back foot. The attacking trio of Anthony, Bruun Larsen, and Flemming have shown flashes of quality but lack the consistency and clinical edge needed at this level.
The midfield partnership of Ward-Prowse and Mejbri provides creativity and set-piece expertise, but they've struggled to control games against better opposition. Their defensive record of 56 goals conceded in 28 matches represents one of the worst in the division and highlights why they find themselves in the relegation zone despite possessing individual talents throughout the squad.
Head-to-Head
Everton
Burnley
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-27 | Burnley | 0 - 0 | Everton |
| 2024-04-06 | Everton | 1 - 0 | Burnley |
| 2023-12-16 | Burnley | 0 - 2 | Everton |
| 2023-11-01 | Everton | 3 - 0 | Burnley |
| 2022-04-06 | Burnley | 3 - 2 | Everton |
| 2021-09-13 | Everton | 3 - 1 | Burnley |
| 2021-03-13 | Everton | 1 - 2 | Burnley |
| 2020-12-05 | Burnley | 1 - 1 | Everton |
| 2019-12-26 | Everton | 1 - 0 | Burnley |
| 2019-10-05 | Burnley | 1 - 0 | Everton |
Memorable Matches
The recent history between Everton and Burnley has produced several compelling encounters, with the most recent meeting in December 2025 ending in a goalless draw at Turf Moor that perhaps reflected both teams' cautious approaches during that period of the season. However, their previous encounters have been far more eventful, particularly Everton's convincing 2-0 victory at Turf Moor in December 2023, where the Toffees demonstrated their quality in an away performance that showcased their ability to control games against determined opposition.
One of the most memorable recent clashes was their League Cup encounter in November 2023, where Everton ran out comprehensive 3-0 winners at Goodison Park, providing a stark illustration of the gap in quality between the sides when Everton are at their best. The match highlighted Everton's superior depth and tactical flexibility under pressure situations.
Their Premier League meetings have often been tight affairs, with Everton generally having the upper hand in recent years, but Burnley have occasionally produced surprises, including their 3-2 victory at Turf Moor in April 2022 that demonstrated their capacity for resilience and counter-attacking quality when given the opportunity.
Venue Factor
Hill Dickinson Stadium represents a significant advantage for Everton in this encounter, with the Toffees having developed a solid home record that has been crucial to their mid-table stability this season. The venue, while newer than their traditional Goodison Park, has maintained the intimidating atmosphere that Everton fans are renowned for creating, particularly in matches against teams they're expected to beat.
Everton's home form has shown them to be a different proposition on Merseyside, where they've picked up valuable points against both stronger and weaker opposition. The familiarity with the playing surface, combined with the vocal support of their fans, often provides the extra motivation needed in tight matches. Their recent home performances have demonstrated an ability to raise their game when playing in front of their own supporters.
For Burnley, away form has been a persistent weakness throughout the campaign, with their struggles on the road contributing significantly to their relegation battle. They've found it difficult to adapt to different playing environments and have often appeared nervous and tentative when playing away from Turf Moor. The pressure of needing points while playing in a hostile environment could prove challenging for Parker's young squad, particularly given their injury problems limiting tactical options.
Injury Concerns
Everton
No injuries reported
Burnley
