Chelsea are looking to strengthen their grip on a Champions League qualifying place in the Premier League when they take on Burnley, where a defeat will be seen as very damaging.
Manchester United and Liverpool are strongly competing with Liam Rosenior’s side, despite the new manager’s unbeaten start to life in the Premier League.
Burnley at Stamford Bridge has been a banana skin fixture for the Blues in recent years, although they can take confidence from their 2-0 victory over the Clarets at Turf Moor.
Should Mamadou Sarr start tomorrow vs Burnley?🤔
Mamadou Sarr in his Chelsea training top at Cobham as he begins to make an impression on the coaching staff.
Photo by Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Scott Parker’s side are currently the only recently promoted side who look in genuine danger to go back to the Championship, with Sunderland and Leeds both exceeding expectations.
Chelsea v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Both already have a win over Chelsea this season, and if Burnley achieve the same it will be the first time in Premier League history that all three promoted sides have beaten the Blues, according to BBC Sport.
Leeds piled misery on Enzo Maresca in his latter weeks in charge, and came from 2-0 down in the last league game after Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer’s goals.
Sunderland impressed to win at Stamford Bridge earlier this season, and the trip to the Stadium of Light will be a tricky prospect in a time where every point is crucial.
All the stats from this season suggest Chelsea should have a comfortable time of things against Burnley, however picking up a win ahead of a huge game against Arsenal should be seen as essential.
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Jesse Derry set to be rewarded for Chelsea vs Burnley after missing from Under-21s clash
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Rosenior must avoid rotation risks vs Burnley
The boss felt the effects of rotating his side against weaker opposition when they struggled greatly against West Ham, and an eight-day break gives no excuses to not name a strong side.
Cole Palmer has had his fitness managed in recent weeks, however should be one of the first names on the teamsheet following his electric run of form.
Despite hints that the exciting Jesse Derry will be in the squad, even these opportunities need to be resisted until the game is beyond doubt.
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