After putting in a commendable performance against Arsenal at the Stamford Bridge in the 3-1 victory, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea managed to open up a 9 point gap over their rivals with 15 games to go this season. The Blues are currently hot favourites to go all the way this season but they face a tricky test on their trip to the Turf Moor this weekend.
Sean Dyche’s side have been performing brillinatly at home and they will hope to put in a decent performance this weekend against the side that is expected to lift the title. The Blues have been impressive in recent times and if they can put in a similar performance, Burnley have little chance of taking anything from this game. Conte is expected to play his strongest XI for this tie and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this game:
Team News:
Antonio Conte hardly has any injuries to worry about as he has a fully fit squad for this game at the weekend.
Expected lineup (3-4-3):
Thibaut Courtois:
Though linked with an exit recently, Courtois has been excellent this season and is the first choice shot-stopper for Antonio Conte.
Cesar Azpilicueta:
The Spaniard has been one of the most consistent defenders in the league for some time now and will have to play a huge role for his side on the night.
David Luiz:
Arguably one of the best defenders in the league this season, Luiz is the backbone of the Chelsea defense and should start this game.
Gary Cahill:
The English defender has cemented a place in the first team with some decent performances and will hope to put in a similar performance this weekend.
Victor Moses:
Though ineffective in the last few games, Moses is the first choice wing-back for Conte and should keep his place in the squad for this tie.
N’Golo Kante:
The French international is the midfield engine that keeps this Chelsea side going and Burnley should keep him away from danger to get anything from this game.
Nemanja Matic:
Though not at his best recently, Matic is the first choice midfielder for Conte and is expected to partner Kante in the midfield.
Marcos Alonso:
Scoring goal consistently for Chelsea recently, Alonso is now an integral part of the squad at the Bridge and should star this tie.
Eden Hazard:
The Belgian playmaker has found some devastating form recently and will be the danger man for the Clarets at the Turf Moor.
Pedro:
The Spaniard has been effective consistently for more than a month and Conte should stick with him for this crunch tie.
Diego Costa:
Though misfiring recently, Costa is the biggest goal scoring threat for the Blues on this trip to Burnley.