Chelsea and Burnley face off on Saturdayplaceholder image
Chelsea and Burnley face off on Saturday | AFP via Getty Images
A look at the pundit predictions for Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Burnley.
Liam Rosenior will know Chelsea need to remain consistent to leap into those Champions League spots, and this is a game they will be fully expecting to win. Burnley are in 19th and with little hope of survival, currently nine points from safety.
Ahead of this game, we have rounded up the predictions from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson.
Chris Sutton
“So much for me thinking that Burnley might give their fans something to cheer about by going on a good FA Cup run. After their brilliant fightback to beat Crystal Palace in their last league game, the Clarets made changes against Mansfield and went out on their own patch to a League One side.
“I just can't see anything other than a home win for Chelsea here, even with their wobble last time at Stamford Bridge where Leeds fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 - Liam Rosenior's side won't let that happen again. Prediction: 2-0.”
Paul Merson
“Burnley had a great result against Crystal Palace but it looks like a fluke after their FA Cup exit to Mansfield Town. I can't see anything but a Chelsea win here, they will destroy Burnley this weekend!
“This is a must-win game for Chelsea because from here, the fixtures get messy for them. It's a horrendous run coming up. Liam Rosenior likes deploying Andrey Santos and Moises Caicedo in the base of his midfield. I expect Enzo Fernandez to continue as the no.10, with Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto either side of Joao Pedro.
“I like Palmer as a no.10. I think that's his best position. But Santos has been one of the best performers under Rosenior so I don't think Chelsea will change anything. They also need some continuity in their starting line-up ahead of what promises to be a challenging run of fixtures.
“Chelsea can't afford another slip-up like the one against Leeds. If that happens, they won't finish inside the top five! Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Burnley.”
Continue Reading