Burnley didn’t have a great outing last week as they failed to have the last laugh against Watford. The Clarets, however, did put in a decent performance despite being a man down at the Vicarage Road to show everyone that their League position reflects the hard work they have put in.
They are still in a respectable 12th spot in the Premier League table but have a daunting fixture ahead of them. Antonio Conte’s high-flying Chelsea will make a trip to Turf Moor on Sunday. The Blues are sitting comfortably at the top of the ladder, having defeated their arch rivals Arsenal with an impressive 3-1 scoreline at Stamford Bridge last weekend. However, the home stadium has been a fortress for Burnley, as they have picked up 28 out of 29 points this season at their own backyard.
Chelsea won’t find it easy against a resolute Burnley side that await them in a match that might reopen the title race. Ginger Mourinho’s side haven’t been leaky either, and with their new acquisitions from the January transfer window, they do have a healthy squad to be used. Here is our Burnley’s predicted line-up to face the former league champions.
Defence
Skipper Tom Heaton will be handed the gloves as usual and employed between the sticks, with Matthew Lowton and Stephen Ward on the right and left back slots, respectively. The formidable pair of Michael Keane and Ben Mee have kept things neat at the back and are expected to line up at the heart of the defence.
Midfield
Newcomer Robbie Brady is all set to get his first nod in the starting line up under Dyche on the left wing. Brady was a livewire after coming on from the bench against Watford. Jeff Hendrick’s red card implies that the duo of Joey Barton and another new signing in the shape of Ashley Westwood would be used in the midfield, alongside Scott Arfield on the right wing.
Forward
Ashley Barnes and Sam Vokes would most likely complete the 4-4-2 formation, although Andre Gray was used against the Hornets which didn’t yield any handsome dividends last week and was pulled out of the game early in the second half last weekend. Finding the back of the net has been an issue for the Clarets and they have a tough task ahead of them to breach Chelsea’s stubborn defence.
