Chelsea have hit the ground running this season as far as the points table is concerned. Antonio Conte will be relieved to have collected 6 points out of 6 but the Italian will be aware that Chelsea are far from the finished product. Late goals from Diego Costa has seen them limp over the finishing line each time and they will be looking to strike a balance between attack and defence this time around. But Burnley will be no pushovers as they illustrated against poor Liverpool, blanking them 2-0.
We look at 3 key battles which have the potential to dictate the outcome of the match.
DIEGO COSTA VS MICHAEL KEANE
Keane is a day away from experiencing an eye-opener on Saturday as Diego Costa lies in wait for him. The young defender has excellent attributes and provided he develops on an expected path has the capability of being one of the best defenders in England. Still a young lad, he will be pumped up for the clash and will be up against a whole host of tricks and ability which Costa brings along with him onto the pitch. The Spanish international has been the match winner thus far for Chelsea and stopping him will be key to Burnley’s hopes of getting something from the match.
MATT LOWTON VS EDEN HAZARD
Eden Hazard has shown a glimpse of his sparkling form from Chelsea’s title-winning season but hasn’t been able to produce the end product we expect from him. He has looked more confident and dangerous on the ball and will look to renew his individual partnerships with the likes of Costa and Azpilicueta on the left.
Irrespective of his goal tally, the Belgian is always a nightmare to mark and deal with and the unenviable job has to be undertaken by Lowton. The right-back will look to snuff out the danger and will have to bring his top game on Saturday if Burnley are to even think about repeating their heroics of last weekend.
TOM HEATON VS CHELSEA ATTACK
Chelsea are expected to go in with an attacking team with the likes of Fabregas and Oscar in the engine room and Hazard and Willian on the flanks. Diego Costa will be in and around letting his presence felt and by the looks of it, Heaton will be having a very busy 90 minutes. The shot-stopper has to be on his toes and look to avoid mistakes which could undo the hard work put in by the defence. With lots of shots on goal expected, his form will be key, as an inspired performance can help them earn a point, at least.
