Chelsea are back in Premier League action in the first game of the weekend, taking on newly-promoted Burnley at Turf Moor.
The Blues have an excellent recent record away from home against Burnley, winning the last five games by a combined score of 19-3.
Chelsea’s last five results at Turf Moor
Burnley 1-4 Chelsea – 07/10/23
Burnley 0-4 Chelsea – 05/03/22
Burnley 0-3 Chelsea – 31/10/20
Burnley 2-4 Chelsea – 26/10/19
Burnley 0-4 Chelsea – 28/10/18
Enzo Maresca has a number of big decisions to make when it comes to his squad selection, especially when taking into account the two games which follow this one.
The Blues will take on Barcelona and Arsenal within five days of each other at Stamford Bridge, and need to ensure a number of their players are at full fitness to compete in those.
This will see the boss make some changes against Burnley, and The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the XI which will line up at Turf Moor on Saturday.
Enzo Maresca smiles during Chelsea training
Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea Predicted XI vs Burnley
After Filip Jorgensen’s request to leave in January, Robert Sanchez will remain in the starting side as he has for the majority of the campaign.
Malo Gusto will start at right-back, with Reece James in line to captain the Blues in the two crucial games that follow.
Wesley Fofana will start at centre-back. The positions are still up for grabs amongst a host of players in the absence of Levi Colwill.
He will be partnered by Josh Acheampong, who has enjoyed more minutes for the England U21s during the international break.
How will Chelsea get on against Burnley?
At left-back, Jorrel Hato will be keen to make an impact in his preferred position after struggling at the heart of defence against Qarabag.
Central midfield will see Enzo Fernandez captain the side. It has been reported that Fernandez is fit to feature despite missing the international break due to fitness concerns.
He will be joined by Andrey Santos. This will see Moises Caicedo sit on the bench after playing every minute in South America during the international break.
Despite Estevao Willian’s brilliant form for both club and country, Pedro Neto will continue to hold him off for now. The Portugal star didn’t represent his nation either.
Joao Pedro will get another chance to start in his preferred number 10 role, after playing the majority of the campaign up front so far.
On the left, Alejandro Garnacho will be looking to keep up the strong form he has been showing in a Chelsea shirt recently.
Liam Delap’s quest for his first Premier League goal will continue to the game against Burnley, with him keen to return to full fitness and sharpness.