Burnley vs Chelsea: Match preview, betting tips and predictions

Burnley vs Chelsea: Match preview, betting tips and predictions - Can Burnley shock Chelsea again?

 

Chelsea players celebrate one of their four goals against Crystal Palace on Match Day three (Photo credit: Premierleague.com)

 

Burnley vs Chelsea
Turf Moor
4:00pm

 

On the opening day of Chelsea’s title defense in 2017, with Antonio Conte in charge, Burnley ran riot with Sam Vokes leading the line and hurting Chelsea badly, can they do it again this time?

 

Chelsea indeed are blowing hot and cold, one moment they’re impressive and the next they’re not.

And just like Manchester City, the Blues did their homework in Europe but settled for a goalless draw against Manchester United last weekend, one that meant they still can’t be seen anywhere near the top.

Burnley gave everything they had in the 1-0 loss to Spurs at Turf Moor and were only unlucky to end the night without a point, leaving them right down in the drop zone with little hope, hanging on just one point they got against West Brom in a 1-1 draw.

Chelsea clicked brilliantly in Europe, shipping four past Krasnodar, but the big news will be the fact that their new boys got on the score sheet.

All eyes had been on Hakim Ziyech after what can be called a slow start to life in England, he has the floor now and fans would hope he chooses his dancing step wisely.

How will they line up? Will Burnley throw caution out the window and go all out or try to be conservative? 

They actually don’t have the men on paper to handle what Frank Lampard and Chelsea will bring to the table on Saturday but football has no respect for names.

Chelsea will be wary of yet another collapse, they were sloppy and deservingly punished against West Brom where they rallied to earn a point.

They lost their lead twice in the 3-3 repeat against Southampton and are fast becoming a team of one half, they have to fix that.

Burnley will be bullish with long balls to Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood.

The classic 4-4-2 with McGinn pulling the strings on the flank will test Ben Chilwell and Reece James.

Chelsea will win the midfield battle, but it will amount to nothing if they don’t take their chances early.

Nick Pope will have it all to do in this game, he can frustrate Chelsea but Ben Mee and James Tarkowski should be there to help him contain the pressure.

Betting Predictions: Chelsea to win or draw