Burnley dey travel to Stamford Bridge this Saturday afternoon to face Chelsea, 14 places above them for Premier League table. The Clarets dey aim consecutive wins after dramatic comeback against Crystal Palace (3-2), but dem go need raise their game if dem want secure first win against Blues in nine years.
Match Preview
Chelsea don enjoy rare week off under Liam Rosenior, after playing every three days since he replace Enzo Maresca. With Champions League knockout play-offs break, Blues dey ready flex muscle against Burnley to strengthen top-five prospects.
Despite breather, Rosenior dey cautious after Chelsea fail hold 2-0 lead against Leeds United, draw 2-2, blocking dem from leapfrogging Man United into fourth spot.
Chelsea home record this season get ups and downs: six wins, four draws, three losses. Burnley get sharp memory for London: undefeated in last two visits, drawing 1-1 and 2-2. Interestingly, seven of eight points Burnley don collect versus Chelsea for Premier League come from Stamford Bridge. Scott Parker’s men dey try join Sunderland and Leeds to enjoy rare away-day success against capital club.
Burnley dey aware say Chelsea dey prone drop points from winning positions – situations wey happen against Sunderland and Leeds. Considering recent comeback at Selhurst Park, away fans fit remain optimistic even if their team fall behind. Victory over Crystal Palace boost morale; now dem dey ready try consecutive Premier League wins for first time since October victories over Leeds (2-0) and Wolves (3-2).
Team News
Chelsea: Injuries dey ease but Levi Colwill (knee), Marc Cucurella (thigh), Filip Jorgensen, Dario Essugo, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (thigh) still out. Romeo Lavia close to return but likely benched again. Cole Palmer fit return after missing FA Cup win over Hull City; Palmer don score eight and assist six against promoted sides this season. In-form Joao Pedro go lead attack, scoring four and providing one assist in last five league games.
Burnley: Injury issues plenty: Connor Roberts (Achilles), Mike Tresor (ankle), Jordan Beyer (thigh), Zeki Amdouni (knee), Axel Tuanzebe (heel), long-term Josh Cullen (knee) all sidelined. Fit players include Jaidon Anthony (six goals, 24 chances created, 30 shots this season). Zian Flemming remains threat away from home (all five league goals scored on road).
Possible Lineups
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato; Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro
Burnley: Dubravka; Laurent, Worral, Esteve; Walker, Ugochukwu, Hannibal, Humphreys; Edwards, Anthony; Flemming
Prediction
We dey expect Chelsea 3-1 Burnley. Burnley dey frustrate Blues for Stamford Bridge before, and recent win at Selhurst Park boost confidence. But rested Chelsea go unlikely repeat mistake against Leeds and dem go return to winning ways versus Clarets, wey don concede league-high 51 goals.
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