Burnley vs Chelsea
After leaking goals left, right and centre, Chelsea had to remedy their defensive soft centre.
Conceding three in the first 27 minutes at newly-promoted West Brom a month ago was one thing and they fought back to record a 3-3 draw.
But throwing away a two-goal Premier League lead to be held by the same scoreline at home to Southampton was another.
Frank Lampard had clearly seen enough and in came a new goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who impressed as they kept a rare clean sheet in a goalless draw at Manchester United last weekend.
Coupled with the fact that Thiago Silva now appears to be adjusting to life in English football after a few games bedding in, and Chelsea seem to have a more resolute platform from which their attacking array can build.
Surely that means a trip to Turf Moor to face winless Burnley is an away banker?
Talking Points
Well, based on form and history, undoubtedly.
Burnley struggle at home against the big sides, despite their reputation for being difficult opponents.
Their only win in their past 24 Premier League home fixtures against ‘the big six’ came last season against Spurs.
They are also traditional slow starters as they have failed to win in their opening five Premier League games twice before. It must be also remembered that they have only a point to their name so far this term.
Full-backs Phil Bardsley (coronavirus) and Erik Pieters (calf) are both only rated 50/50 this one, while the influential Ben Mee and Jack Cork are out.
Boss Sean Dyche is still likely to stick with a 4-4-2 formation though, meaning Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes will once again start up top.
Chelsea only returned from their Champions League clash with Russian side Krasnodar yesterday morning but have a bigger squad than most and few injuries.
Talented youngster Billy Gilmour won’t feature due to a knee injury, but most players are available for selection and Lampard will surely bring Silva back into his starting lineup after he was rested for the European trip.
This match could indeed be the first time we see Chelsea’s new attacking quartet of Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, and Timo Werner all line up together for the first time.
That attacking lineup against a team which has shipped nine goals so far points to Premier League highlights in favour of the visitors.
Burnley do not need to panic though, and this could just be the day when they get another point on board to show observers they are in a false position in the early standings and not a side which faces a relegation battle this term.
History
Much has changed in the Roman Abramovich era. But believe it or not, before money took control of the top clubs, Burnley had the upper hand in their clashes with the aristocrats of West London.
Even now, both clubs have 38 wins each since their very first meeting in 1905 when Chelsea won the League Division Two clash by a solitary goal from a player named Robert McRoberts.
There have also been 24 draws.
In their last 12 meetings, Burnley have only tasted victory once – but it was a memorable opening day Premier League victory in 2017 against the defending champions.
A day when Chelsea were reduced to 10 men early on and Sam Vokes (two) and Stephen Ward stunned Antonio Conte’s men.
Last season, this was a cracker and it was the day Pulisic announced his introduction to English football with a hat-trick in a 4-2 success.
Burnley restored some pride with two late goals after trailing 4-0, and then Chelsea won the return fixture 3-0 with Jorginho (penalty), Tammy Abraham, and Callum Hudson-Odoi the marksmen.
Chelsea are unbeaten in their six Premier League trips to Turf Moor, scoring at least twice in each of their four victories.
Burnley’s last home win against the Blues came in 1983 in the Second Division.
Betting Tip
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Burnley vs Chelsea | 1X2 Draw @ 4.10 |
| October 31, 23:00 (GMT+8) |
Chelsea start as clear favourites with the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds.
You can back the visitors 1X2 @ 1.51 or First Half 1X2 @ 2.12, while the home side are out @ 1X2 @ 6.00 and First Half 1X2 @ 5.20.
Despite the odds being firmly in favour of Lampard’s men, Burnley produced a clearly improved showing on Monday night before going down at home to Spurs and I can see them getting something out of this contest.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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