Chelsea did progress against Slavia Prague in the Europa League on Thursday but their poor second half showing has become part of a trend that is concerning manager Maurizio Sarri.
The Blues will get an extra day’s rest with their next game on Monday night, but it also means they will be playing catch-up with their rivals for a top-four place with Manchester United and Arsenal playing on Sunday.
Their opponents Burnley are now eight points above the relegation zone with four games to go so the Clarets are all but safe.
A comfortable home win should be on the cards but Sean Dyche’s side are notoriously hard to breakdown and Chelsea have found such teams difficult at home this season.
The Blues are sweating over the fitness of star man Eden Hazard. The Belgian was substituted against Slavia Prague with what was described as a serious knock. It remains to be seen whether he’ll recover in time for Monday.
Another player facing a late fitness test is Marcos Alonso. The fullback is suffering with a thigh injury and has missed the last two games against Liverpool and Prague.
Antonio Rudiger is still on course to make his comeback against Manchester United. The German international injured his knee in the 2-0 defeat at Anfield last weekend. Ethan Ampadu (back) and Marco van Ginkel (knee) remain on the sidelines.
Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face Burnley:
Kepa, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Luiz, Emerson, Kante, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Pedro, Higuain, Hudson-Odoi
Burnley have four players currently out of action. Phil Bardsley has a gashed leg which kept him out of the wins against Bournemouth and Cardiff. Peter Crouch is recovering from appendicitis while Steven Defour is out for the season with a calf injury.
Aaron Lennon has not played since December due to a knee problem but could return before the end of the campaign.
Burnley’s Predicted XI:
Heaton, Lowton, Long, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor, Hendrick, Westwood, Cork, McNeil, Wood
Bookmakers have Chelsea as the likely winners with Betfred having them at 2/7 to get the win. A draw is 11/2 with Betway while a Burnley victory is currently 14/1 at BetVictor.
Predicted Score – 2-0 to Chelsea