Chelsea vs Burnley Match Preview

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Burnley head to Stamford Bridge on Saturday aiming to secure back-to-back wins in the capital, but they face a Chelsea side 14 places above them in the Premier League standings. The Clarets rallied from two goals down to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 last week, yet they must raise their level to challenge the form team of the division and attempt their first win against the Blues in nine years.

Chelsea have enjoyed a rare break under Liam Rosenior, having played every three days since his appointment, following Enzo Maresca’s departure. Thanks to Joao Pedro’s heroics against Napoli in January, Chelsea avoided Champions League knockout commitments this week, giving them time to prepare for Burnley.

Despite this breather, Rosenior will be cautious. The last time Chelsea hosted a lower-half team, they squandered a 2-0 lead against Leeds United, missing the chance to leapfrog Manchester United into fourth place. That draw ended a four-match winning streak in the league, their first dropped points since the 2-1 loss to Fulham in early January.

Chelsea now seek a response, aware that a win could see them move above Manchester United, who do not play Everton until Monday.

While Chelsea are clear favourites, Stamford Bridge fans may be wary. The Blues’ home record this season is mixed: six wins, four draws, and three losses. Burnley have historically frustrated them in the capital, holding Chelsea to 1-1 and 2-2 draws in their last two visits. Seven of Burnley’s eight points against Chelsea in the Premier League have come in London, and the Clarets will hope to join Sunderland and Leeds as the third promoted side to take points at the Bridge this season.

Burnley’s recent comeback at Selhurst Park suggests their fans will not lose hope if the team falls behind early. Victory over Crystal Palace has boosted confidence as they look for consecutive top-flight wins for the first time since October, when they defeated Leeds (2-0) and Wolves (3-2).

Team News​

Chelsea: Rosenior’s injury list is easing. Long-term absentee Levi Colwill (knee) remains out, along with Marc Cucurella (thigh), Filip Jorgensen, Dario Essugo, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (all thigh). Romeo Lavia is close to returning but will likely miss again, while Cole Palmer comes back after being rested against Hull in the FA Cup.

Key Players:

• Joao Pedro has five goals and one assist in his last five league appearances and will lead Chelsea’s attack.
• Cole Palmer, in form against promoted sides, could make a decisive impact.

Burnley: The Clarets face injury setbacks with Connor Roberts (Achilles), Mike Tresor (ankle), Jordan Beyer (thigh), Zeki Amdouni (knee), Axel Tuanzebe (heel), and long-term absentee Josh Cullen (knee) all sidelined. Jaidon Anthony is fit and leads the attack with six goals and 24 chances created this season. Zian Flemming remains dangerous on the road, having scored all five of his league goals away from home.

Possible Lineups​

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato; Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro

Burnley (4-3-3): Dubravka; Laurent, Worral, Esteve; Walker, Ugochukwu, Hannibal, Humphreys; Edwards, Anthony; Flemming

Expert Prediction

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Chelsea 3-1 Burnley

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