After tasting some great results in the recent weeks, the London club Chelsea will now be getting ready for the next test of the Premier League. The Blues, this time, will be welcoming the all confident newly promoted Premier League side Burnley on 27th of August.
The visitors recently faced a shocking 1-0 defeat against Accrington Stanley in the League Cup tie. But before that, the Clarets outnumbered the Merseyside club Liverpool with a thumping scoreline of two goals to nil and will be carrying the same confidence to the Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Chelsea, on the other hand, tasted a narrow 3-2 victory against Bristol Rovers in the League Cup tie. Victor Moses marked his name on the scoresheet for the Blues, and then the new arrival Michy Batshuayi stepped up and scored a brace to clinch the victory. Besides that, the Blues are also on a fine run of form in the Premier League as they defeated Watford last weekend, where Diego Costa yet again, came to their rescue.
This game is going to be a tough one, and if comparing the recent form, Burnley are just whisker behind the Blues. In their last six games, in all competition, the Blues have just lost once, while the Clarets have lost one and have also played one draw.
Here is the predicted lineup for Chelsea that could face Burnley this weekend:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois-
The Belgian shot-stopper will surely be the manager’s first choice personnel for the spot. The 24-year-old was rested for the game against Bristol Rovers, hence, it is a clear indication that the player will be present between the sticks this time around.
Defence: Ivanovic; Cahill; Terry; Azpilicueta-
The Serbian international, Branislav Ivanovic, was deployed as a centre-half alongside Cahill in the last game, but this time around, he might return to his usual spot, i.e., right back. Ivanovic, in the last Premier League game, had a tough night, hence an improved performance will be expected from the Serbian this time around.
On the left flank, the manager will surely be using the quick and versatile Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta. The Spaniard has been a consistent performer for the Blues and is now an irreplaceable figure for the side.
As a central pair, the manager might introduce John Terry this time around. The skipper was rested against Bristol Rovers but he came on later, replacing Ola Aina for the final quarter of an hour. His partner will surely be his fellow countryman Gary Cahill, who is still looking to find his top form in the league.
Holding Midfield: N’Golo Kante-
The new Chelsea signing N’Golo Kante too was rested in the League cup tie last night, hence, he will surely be making his way into the first team this time around. The little Frenchman has really impressed the Stamford Bridge spectators with his wonderful displays, and will be looking forward to carry on.
Attack: Pedro; Matic; Oscar; Hazard-
With the number one choice Willian still looking to struggle for the full fitness, the manager might go with the former Barcelona star Pedro on the right wing. The Brazilian star recently gave his injury update through his Instagram account, but the manager might not risk him for the next game, hence, Pedro might get his shot.
For the central area, the manager will most probably opt the Serbian professional Nemanja Matic. The Serbian international gave a great display against Bristol Rovers last time out and was thoroughly involved in the team’s attacks. He also was involved in the first goal, setting up Michy Batshuayi’s volley.
Furthermore, the manager might use the talented Brazilian Oscar as an attacking midfielder.the 24-year-old was rested for the last fixture, hence he might mark his return. On the other flank, the manager will surely be deploying Eden Hazard as he too was rested last time out.
Striker: Diego Costa-
The Brazilian-born Spanish attacker yet again scored the winner against Watford and was on the bench against Bristol. Michy Batshuayi is currently in a great form, but we cannot deny the abilities of Diego Costa as well. Both work fine together, but this time around, the manager might opt to go with one striker. Although, the Batman might make a cameo appearance in the game.