The Big Preview - Burnley v Chelsea
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History
The clubs last met at the end of January 2010, with Chelsea winning 2-1 at Turf Moor on the way to the domestic double under Carlo Ancelotti. Chelsea’s scorers were Nicolas Anelka and John Terry. In the game at Stamford Bridge the previous August, The Blues ran out comfortable 3-0 victors thanks to goals from Michael Ballack, Ashley Cole and Anelka. The only other recent meeting was a 1-1 draw in a League Cup fixture at The Bridge in November 2008, with The Clarets prevailing 5-4 on penalties. Chelsea have not lost their opening league fixture since losing 3-2 to Coventry City in 1998-99. They have won 13 out of 15 since that reverse. Burnley have not lost on the opening day for 5 seasons, but have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 27 Premier League matches. In 40 matches between the two at Turf Moor, Burnley have won 21, Chelsea 11 with 8 draws.
Team News
Burnley are likely to pair new signing Lukas Jutkiewicz with Danny Ings up front as Sam Vokes is still recovering from injury. The rest of the side will primarily be made up of the players who took them up from The Championship. Ramires serves the final game of a suspension for The Blues, while Didier Drogba is doubtful with an ankle injury. Thibaut Courtois seems likely to get the nod ahead of Petr Cech in the visitor’s goal, while Jose Mourinho is expected to keep faith with last season’s back four, making Filipe Luis wait for his debut. New signings Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa seem certain to start, but Mourinho will have to gauge the match fitness of Oscar, Willian and Andre Schurrle before finalising his line-up.
Prediction
Turf Moor will be rocking for Burnley’s return to the big time, and the home side are likely to try and get at Chelsea early doors. The Blues will need to match the home side’s early tempo, and should they manage this, their extra quality and experience should tell as the game settles down. Though I expect the new boys to score, I believe that Chelsea’s class will prove too much. The referee is Michael Oliver.
Burnley 1 – 3 Chelsea
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5-1 to Chelsea comfortable winners
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