Burnley have been a revelation of sorts this year as they are flying high on the seventh spot with just 2 points separating them and sixth-placed Arsenal. Sean Dyche has worked wonders with this team and he will surely be in line for Premier League Manager of the season trophy.
Burnley have gone on to win there last 5 games in a row and with Arsenal dropping points against Newcastle United they can certainly pip them and secure a spot in the Europa League. Even if they finish seventh they will be in with a good chance for that European spot. If Southampton doesn’t go on to win the FA cup, Clarets will be playing in Europa League in the next season.
They will be hosting a Chelsea side who secured a comeback win against the relegation-threatened Southampton. Chelsea were two goals down and it was left for their January signing Olivier Giroud to rescue the Blues as he scored two while coming from the bench and Hazard scored the other to secure a 3-2 win. However, the result doesn’t seem enough to ensure their Champions League qualification for next season as they are still eight points behind Spurs.
For the Clarets, their regular club captain Ben Mee will be unavailable for this tie due to a shin injury. Apart from him, Jonathan Walters, Scott Arfield, Steven Defour and Roby Brady will be unavailable due to various injuries.
Here is how Burnley will most likely lineup.
Predicted Formation- 4-4-2
Defence
Like his team, Nick Pope has also punched above his weight this season as he has been instrumental in Burnley’s defence between the sticks. He is in line to be picked by Gareth Southgate for the World Cup. Tom Heaton is back from injury but Dyche has preferred Pope as Heaton doesn’t have enough game time under his belt.
Pope will be shielded by James Tarkowski and Kevin Long who has been an able replacement in place of the injured Mee. Charlie Taylor will be playing in his usual left-back role and Matthew Lowton will play from the right to complete the back four.
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Midfield
Gudmundsson is back from injury as he started against Leicester and he will be partnered by the likes of Westwood and Jack Cork in the centre of the park. Lennon will be playing as a right winger
Attack
Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes have partnered well upfront and will be expected to lead the line for their team.
