Chelsea vs Burnley
Date: 11/01/2020
K/O: 15:00
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Referee: Kevin Friend
Burnley travel to Stamford Bridge this weekend looking to end a baron spell of three straight league defeats, which has left them only four points from the drop.
As for Chelsea, their form has not been much better. Losing three of their last four league games at home, the London club need to refine this form to maintain their stronghold on fourth spot. Though these two sides find themselves on opposite ends of the table, the last ten games sees only a one-point separation, with both found in the bottom half on form.
Both sides have struggled defensively this season and on paper so this could be one to watch on Match of the Day. However, despite only two other sides conceding more than Burnley this season, surprisingly only Leicester have kept more clean sheets than the Clarets. With Chelsea’s poor run of form at home, losing against three teams situated in the bottom half in their last four, it begs the question which Chelsea or which Burnley will show up?
Frank Lampard reverted to a 4-3-3 for their last league fixture which was ultimately unsuccessful. With the directness of Burnley’s play, their front two will always cause problems for any defence over ninety minutes. This may see the manager revert back into a three man defence, which saw two very good wins away at Tottenham and Arsenal.
As for Sean Dyche, very little ever changes in terms of formation, but they’ll need to nullify Chelsea’s width to stand a chance of gaining some points this weekend. If the likes of Dwight McNeil, Robbie Brady, Jeff Hendrick or Johann Gudmundsson can press the opposing full/wing-backs into their own half, they’ll be better equipped to quash Tammy Abraham and his aerial threat; who’s scored a third of Chelsea’s goals this season.
Burnley have only walked away victors once in this fixture during the Premier League era, which has seen an average of 3.5 goals per game since 2014. This solitary win came at Stamford Bridge, with the Clarets looking for history to repeat itself.
Team News
Chelsea
Marcos Alonso is again a doubt for the London club, who’s absence may again see Frank Lampard opt with a four man defence. Christian Pulisic is the only other noticeable doubt for the visit of Burnley which will almost definitely see Callum Hudson-Odoi start. A big opportunity for the English winger who can build upon last week’s goal against Nottingham Forest.
The main headache for Frank Lampard this weekend will come in the centre of his midfield. Both Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic are seemingly fighting for one remaining position in the Chelsea midfield, with N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount firmly cemented in the manager’s starting XI. I don’t envisage many changes to Lampard’s team, though a change in formation could see the likes of Emerson and Fikayo Tomori push for a start, both of whom started in their conquering of North London in recent weeks.
Burnley
Sean Dyche may have a selection dilemma on his hands with both his front men potentially missing. Ashley Barnes, almost certain to miss the trip to Stamford Bridge, has been sent to a specialist to evaluate the extent of a groin injury, with Chris Wood also a potential doubt.
Johann Gudmundsson may again be out of action, who started his first game since October in the FA Cup last weekend. He suffered another hamstring injury which saw him only complete the first half on his return. Aaron Lennon remains the only other noticeable doubt.
Jay Rodriguez will be looking to build upon his two goals in the FA Cup last weekend as he will likely be recalled to the starting XI. Sean Dyche has built his side on consistency, with Jay Rodriguez potentially the only change this weekend. Jeff Hendrick will be pushing for a place in the team’s midfield, whether it be wide right or through the middle. His presence could be a decisive factor in the match, whose box to box traits always pose a threat to the opposing goal.
Predicted Starting XIs
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Kepa; James, Rudiger, Zouma, Azpilicueta; Kante, Kovacic; Willian, Mount, Hudson-Odoi; Abraham
Burnley (4-4-2): Pope; Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Hendrick, Westwood, Cork, McNeil; Rodriguez, Wood
Score Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Burnley
Chelsea have shown their qualities with two wins in North London recently, but their poor form at home has become a problem. Burnley have impressed in spurts this season and are capable of causing another upset for the Blues. As for the game itself, I believe this to be a nailed-on draw. Where I am indecisive is the number of goals each side will score, if any. I believe set-pieces will play a vital part in the overall outcome.
