Chelsea vs Burnley preview, predictions & confirmed team news as Barkley replaces Kante
Chelsea welcome Burnley to west London this weekend looking to get back to winning ways and strengthen their position in the top four.
The Blues were stunned as a late Alireza Jahanbakhsh screamer secured a 1-1 draw for Brighton last time out in the league, so Frank Lampard will be itching to bounce back when Burnley make the trip down south this Saturday.
Only four points separates Chelsea from fifth-placed Sheffield United, so maximum reward will be vital for Lampard and co. as we enter the second half of the campaign, but the Clarets could pose one or two problems when they head to the capital.
Sean Dyche’s men only sit four points above the relegation zone, so points are imperative at this stage as they look to stave off the threat of dropping down, even against Champions League aspirants, making this a very interesting matchup.
Read on for Chelsea vs Burnley preview, predictions, team news and more.
When is Chelsea vs Burnley and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Date: Saturday, 11 January 2020
Kick-off: 3:00 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): N/A
Last five meetings: Chelsea vs Burnley
26 Oct 2019: Burnley 2-4 Chelsea (Premier League)
22 Apr 2019: Chelsea 2-2 Burnley (Premier League)
28 Oct 2018: Burnley 0-4 Chelsea (Premier League)
19 Apr 2018: Burnley 1-2 Chelsea (Premier League)
12 Aug 2017: Chelsea 2-3 Burnley (Premier League)
Aggregate Score: Chelsea (WDWWL) 14-8 Burnley (LDLLW)
Ones to watch
Chelsea: Callum Hudson-Odoi
The precocious winger has come in for some flak in recent weeks, with many believing he is not reaching the heights of his breakthrough 2018/19 campaign, no doubt a symptom of the Achilles rupture that kept him sidelined for several months.
However, the teenager will no doubt be looking to get back to his best with Euro 2020 just around the corner, and he certainly made a good start to the new year over the weekend as his goal helped Chelsea beat Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.
Key stat: Callum Hudson-Odoi has completed more take-ons per 90 minutes (6.8) in the Premier League than any other Chelsea player this season (2+ appearances).
Burnley: Dwight McNeil
The talented 20-year-old has brought a new dimension to Burnley’s flanks this season and will be a key player if the Clarets are to pick up and stay afloat.
Should Burnley defend doggedly and frustrate the hosts in almost typical Dyche style, then Lampard may be forced to throw men forward, but the Chelsea boss will have to be wary as McNeil can cause serious problems on the counter.
Key stat: Dwight McNeil has completed nearly four times as many take-ons as any other Burnley player in the Premier League this season (82).
Team news
Chelsea
N’Golo Kante misses out with a hamstring injury meaning Ross Barkley has been handed his first Premier League start since October.
There is also a start in defence for Andreas Christensen who replaces Kurt Zouma while Callum Hudson-Odoi and Willian join Tammy Abraham in attack.
Confirmed XI: Arrizabalaga; James, Rudiger, Christensen, Azpilicueta; Barkley, Jorginho, Mount; Willian, Hudson-Odoi, Abraham.
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Burnley
The Clarets have picked up numerous injury problems over the festive period, with Ashley Barnes joining Johann Berg Gudmundsson on the sidelines.
This has brought a change in formation with Chris Wood operating as a sole striker and Aaron Lennon coming into a five-man midfield behind him.
Confirmed XI: Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Lennon, Cork, Hendrick, Westwood, McNeil; Wood.
Squawka prediction
Burnley can be a hard side to break down, but Chelsea will be desperate to make amends after conceding a late equaliser against Brighton a fortnight ago, so Lampard will have his side prepped and ready to take on the Lancashire outfit this weekend. If the Blues can pick up from where they left off on Sunday then this should be a routine win for the Londoners.
Scoreline prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Burnley
Check out more of Squawka’s Premier League predictions here.
