Chelsea welcome a charged up Burnley to the Stamford Bridge as Antonio Conte looks to maintain his unbeaten record in the Premier League. Chelsea have Diego Costa to thank massively for their two wins thus far and will be looking to be more authoritative in the match against Burnley. But they will be wary of Burnley, who picked up a shock win and clean sheet against Liverpool last weekend.
Chelsea would be happy with the history between the two sides. The Blues have won 3 and drawn 1 out of their 4 matches. And Ivanovic would be licking his lips at the prospect of squaring up to the opposition, against whom he scored in both the matches when Burnley were last in the Premier League (2014-15).
TEAM NEWS
CHELSEA
Willian is expected to feature after missing the 2-1 win against Watford while Kurt Zouma will be missing as he nears the end of his rehabilitation. Ola Aina is a slight doubt due to a knock sustained midweek.
BURNLEY
Ashley Barnes is the only absentee with a hamstring problem keeping him out.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
CHELSEA (4-1-4-1)
Courtois- Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta- Kante- Willian, Fabregas, Oscar, Hazard- Costa
BURNLEY (4-4-2)
Heaton- Lowton, Keane, Bee, Ward- Arfield, Marney, Defour, Boyd- Vokes, Gray
KEY MEN
CHELSEA
DIEGO COSTA- The Spanish international has been instrumental so far for the Blues and Antonio Conte will be hoping the all-action approach of the striker pays off in this match too. Chelsea are yet to completely flourish in the new system imposed by the manager but with their massive firepower up front, the likes of Diego Costa potentially could have a field day.
BURNLEY
ANDRE GRAY & SAM VOKES- The duo scored a goal apiece against Liverpool last weekend and the team will be looking at them to provide a similar spark. They will need to bring their A-game as opportunities are expected to come at a premium and taking the chances will be key. Chelsea have failed to keep a clean sheet thus far and their defensive frailties are there for all to see. Burnley will look to hit their most susceptible spot.
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Chelsea are understandably favourites to win the match and an early goal will decide the manner in which the match will unfold. While Burnley are known for their notorious habit of shutting out their oppositions and frustrating them with their dedicated and solid set-up, it is expected Chelsea’s firepower will be enough to dismantle Sean Dyche’s carefully hatched plans. Burnley, with their in-form duo up top will fancy themselves of breaching the Chelsea backline but Antonio Conte will undoubtedly strive for their first clean sheet of the season.
