Game Week 12 Predictions: Chelsea to beat Burnley at Turf Moor

Burnley vs Chelsea Premier League Preview: Desperate Clarets host title-chasing Blues. Team news, key battles & verdict as Chelsea eye second place.

 

Burnley's topflight status is under threat, they need to start picking up points, will they get any against the World Champions? (Photo credit: Opta)

Burnley vs. Chelsea.

Turf Moor

1:30pm

Burnley needs points on the board; they’re just out of the drop zone on goal difference, and should they lose at home to Chelsea, they might end the weekend in the bottom three.

Of all the newly promoted sides, Burnley looks the most in danger; however, it should get easier for them from here. They have played Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs and United, with Chelsea up next. Scott Parker would look to target points from here on.

Chelsea is back in the title conversations. The Blues have an outside chance; they currently sit six points off the Gunners, and a win in this early kickoff game takes them to second on the log, just three points off Arsenal, who will host Tottenham on Sunday.

Chelsea’s form has been a little weird, but with Champions League football at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, you’ll think the Clarets have a chance. Chelsea has enough depth to rotate the squad for the fast and furious fixtures; how will they prosecute this one?

There are games you see as a free hit; Burnley would see this one as such. While it’s an opportunity for Chelsea to register three cheap points on the board, it’s unacceptable for Enzo Maresca’s side to drop points here; it’s theirs to lose.

Cole Palmer is still unavailable, and word on the street is that he’s not expected back in the squad for another two weeks, while some of the boys who went away on international games would have to face late fitness tests to see if they can make the squad.

Burnley has a few names missing, but it’s the performance of the ones available that will determine what they take from this game. The Clarets must cut out silly mistakes if they want to earn a point against the Blues; they cannot afford to make it easy for their visitors.

The last time Burnley fans were happy was when Lyle Foster side-footed one past the Wolves keeper away at the Molineux; that performance should offer some confidence, as they found a late winner after losing a two-goal lead.

Chelsea is expected to have Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto fit for the game; they will be the ones to watch out for, with Liam Delap also expected to start. Defensive discipline and positional awareness would be key for Burnley, and when they get their chances at the other end, they must take them.

Verdict: Straight win Chelsea