Burnley will be looking to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday when they welcome Chelsea to Turf Moor.
The Clarets’ good run came to a halt against Leicester City in midweek but seven points out of a possible 12 has given them a chance to save their campaign. If Sean Dyche’s boys beat Chelsea and Everton lose at Tottenham, then they will jump out of the dreaded relegation zone.
Chelsea, meanwhile, put behind their EFL Cup final loss to Liverpool last weekend with a 3-2 win over Luton Town in the midweek FA Cup fifth round. Thomas Tuchel and co. will be aiming to make it three league wins on the bounce when they travel to Burnley.
Burnley vs Chelsea—Team News
Burnley
Ben Mee was forced off with a knock against Leicester City and remains doubtful for the weekend fixture. Erik Pieters and Johann Berg Gudmundsson are ruled out with knee and calf injuries respectively. Dale Stephens and Matej Vydra are set to resume training next week, claimed Sean Dyche earlier this week.
Nick Pope was a standout performer in Burnley’s 2-0 defeat to Leicester City, making a host of top saves. He is a sure-shot starter in goal. Nathan Collins is in line to deputise should Ben Mee not make it, partnering James Tarkowski in central defence. Connor Roberts and Charlie Taylor are set to retain their spots at full-back against Chelsea.
Ashley Westwood should partner Josh Brownhill in the middle of the park, with Dwight McNeil and Maxwel Cornet providing support from wide areas. Wout Weghorst has done well since his arrival in January and should spearhead the Clarets’ attack alongside Jay Rodriguez.
Chelsea
As for Chelsea, Cesar Azpilicueta missed the FA Cup game at Luton Town due to a knock picked up against Liverpool in the EFL Cup and will miss the fixture against Burnley. Trevoh Chalobah also sat out the game following a groin problem but has been given the all-clear by the manager.
Andreas Christensen and Hakim Ziyech are doubts for the game at Turf Moor having missed the last couple of games, while Ben Chilwell is a long-term casualty.
Edouard Mendy will be recalled in goal against Burnley after Kepa started in the FA Cup win over Luton on Tuesday. Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva are certain starters in the Chelsea defence. Trevoh Chalobah is in line to start alongside Silva and Rudiger if the boss opts for a three-man backline at Turf Moor.
Mateo Kovacic will partner N’Golo Kante at the heart of the Blues’ midfield, with Reece James and Marcos Alonso operating from wing-back positions. Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner are pushing for starts after scoring in Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Luton Town. With Hakim Ziyech doubtful, Kai Havertz could start out wide on the left.
Burnley vs Chelsea—Predicted Lineups
Burnley Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Nick Pope; Connor Roberts, James Tarkowski, Nathan Collins, Charlie Taylor; Josh Brownhill, Ashley Westwood, Dwight McNeil, Maxwel Cornet; Wout Weghorst, Jay Rodriguez
Chelsea Predicted Lineup (3-4-3): Edouard Mendy; Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger; Reece James, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Marcos Alonso; Timo Werner, Romelu Lukaku, Kai Havertz
Burnley vs Chelsea—Key Players
Burnley—Maxwel Cornet
With six goals, Maxwel Cornet is Burnley’s top scorer. The Ivorian has enjoyed a strong debut season in the Premier League, and with his pace, movement and long-range striking ability, he can cause problems for the Chelsea backline. So, Tuchel and co. must put extra emphasis on stopping him at Turf Moor.
Chelsea—Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz is a crucial player for Chelsea. Due to his versatility and creativity, he can be a difficult player to mark. As he likes to drift into spaces behind the opposition backline and make things happen, the German could play a key role in unlocking the Burnley defence.
Prediction: Burnley 1-1 Chelsea
