Burnley vs Fulham team news: Clarets hit by triple suspension blow while Cottagers sweat on Robinson fitness

Scott Parker faces selection nightmare with three players banned as Fulham could be without star left-back for crucial Turf Moor clash

By "Big" Barry O'ConnorPublished Dec 12, 2025, 5:48 PMUpdated Dec 12, 2025, 5:48 PM
Burnley

If Burnley needed any more problems heading into Saturday's relegation six-pointer, the football gods have delivered them in spades.

Scott Parker will be without THREE players through suspension for the visit of Fulham, while his opposite number Marco Silva has injury headaches of his own to deal with.

Let Barry break down who is in and who is out for this massive clash at Turf Moor.

Burnley's suspension nightmare

The Clarets have been absolutely hammered by the disciplinary committee. Kyle Walker, Lucas Pires, and Hannibal Mejbri are all suspended and will watch from the stands on Saturday.

That is three first-team players gone in one swoop. For a side sitting 19th in the table with just 10 points, this is catastrophic timing.

But wait - there is more. The injury list reads like a war report. Zeki Amdouni is out with a knee problem. Connor Roberts has the same issue. Jordan Beyer has a thigh injury. Bashir Humphreys is nursing a muscle problem.

And if that was not enough, Axel Tuanzebe is a doubt with an unspecified issue. Parker must be wondering what he did to deserve this.

Fulham's concerns

Marco Silva has fewer problems but they are significant ones. Rodrigo Muniz misses out with a thigh injury - a big blow given the Brazilian's importance to Fulham's attack.

Ryan Sessegnon is also sidelined with a thigh problem. The former Spurs man cannot catch a break with injuries.

The biggest question mark hangs over Antonee Robinson. The American left-back is doubtful with a knee issue, and losing him would be a massive blow. Robinson has been one of the best full-backs in the Premier League this season.

Predicted lineups

Burnley (4-3-3)

Dubravka; Sonne, Ekdal, Esteve, Hartman; Ugochukwu, Cullen, Florentino; Tchaouna, Foster, Anthony

Fulham (4-2-3-1)

Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Castagne; Iwobi, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze; Jimenez

What this means

Burnley are going into a must-win match with a skeleton squad. Parker will need his fringe players to step up massively if the Clarets are to get anything from this game.

Fulham should fancy their chances, but they have their own issues. If Robinson misses out, Timothy Castagne slots in at left-back - solid but not the same attacking threat.

Samuel Chukwueze and Emile Smith Rowe will be key for the Cottagers. If those two click, Burnley's makeshift defence could be in for a long afternoon.

This is the kind of match that defines seasons. Both managers know it. The pressure is immense.

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"Big" Barry O'Connor

Barry has been covering English football for 30 years. He is an outspoken character ("loudmouth") who has his ins at the pubs where the supporters go. He isn't afraid to call for a manager's sacking after just two losses. His style is direct, populist, and sometimes brutal. He loves puns in headlines and focuses on conflicts, wages, and dressing room drama.