Reece James And Thiago Silva To Return | Predicted 3-4-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Burnley

Despite Roman Abramovich’s apparent decision to sell the club, Chelsea will hope to keep their focus on the pitch as they take on Burnley on Saturday. The Blues are comfortably in third place, ahead of Manchester United, but there should be no room for complacency, especially with Arsenal having a host of games in hand.

Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Burnley

Defence

Chelsea had a tough time dealing with the Luton Town attack in midweek, partly due to the makeshift backline that included Ruben Loftus-Cheek. However, Thomas Tuchel is hoping to have his main players back in action on Saturday, including Thiago Silva.

The experienced centre-back was rested in the midweek game and should return at the heart of the back three. Another player likely to return to the team sheet is Trevoh Chalobah, although Cesar Azpilicueta may return to full fitness as well.

It could well be a toss-up between the two, although we are largely expecting Chalobah to form the back three alongside Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger. There should be a change in goal, though, with Kepa Arrizabalaga making way for Edouard Mendy.

Midfield

Thomas Tuchel is set to be boosted by the return of Reece James. The influential fullback was a substitute against Luton Town in the FA Cup. He is gunning for a return to the team sheet, occupying the right wing-back role. A change is expected on the opposite flank as well, with Kenedy making way for Marcos Alonso.

As for the central midfield positions, N’Golo Kante is expected to return to the starting eleven, forming the double-pivot alongside Jorginho. Mateo Kovacic is another option, alongside Saul Niguez, should Tuchel look for more creativity in the middle of the park.

Attack

Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner both found themselves on the scoresheet in the game against Luton Town. However, one of them must make way as Tuchel returns to a 3-4-3 setup that may only incorporate one striker.

Lukaku is likely to spearhead the frontline, with creative assistance from the two hybrid number tens in Mason Mount and Kai Havertz. Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Timo Werner are the other options, should Tuchel look for more pace in the attack, whereas Hakim Ziyech is a major doubt due to injury.