Mauricio Pochettino is aiming to guide the Blues to their third straight win across all competitions later today – an inconceivable feat just a fortnight ago.
His side take on one of the Premier League’s most out-of-form teams, although Burnley did record their first win of the campaign in midweek. A 2-1 victory against Luton Town provided a morale boost but was not enough to lift them out of the relegation zone.
If Chelsea are to win, they must do so without several key players but a colossal squad should make life easier for Pochettino. Here is your complete injury round-up ahead of the clash at Turf Moor.
Be sure to stay tuned to our team of reporters at football.london as we will bring you all of your matchday coverage through the day. On the transfer front, Chelsea are reportedly waiting on whether Victor Osimhen pens a new deal before making a move for the striker.
Controversy struck last week when the Serie A champions appeared to mock their own player on social media – triggering suggestions a move could be on the cards.
Napoli value Osimhen at around £120million and, as previously witnessed, Chelsea are not afraid to splash the cash on marquee arrivals.
Todd Boehly has also been backed to offer Juventus £69million for Serbian hitman Dusan Vlahovic. Goals have been hard to come by for Chelsea this season, netting just seven times in as many Premier League games.
Vlahovic has rediscovered his prolific touch in front of goal and a report by Calciomercato claims Boehly could swoop for the 23-year-old in January.
All of this and much, much more throughout the day, right here!
Team news
Mauricio Pochettino has made one change to his Chelsea side as Raheem Sterling returns to the lineup to face Burnley.
There were some doubts over whether Mykhailo Mudryk and Moises Caicedo would be fit enough after being replaced due to injuries in Monday’s win over Fulham. The pair have trained this week and were deemed on Friday by Pochettino to be fit enough to travel but Mudryk has been required to take a place on the bench while Caicedo continues in the centre of midfield.
The Blues boss keeps faith with the same backline that faced Fulham as Robert Sanchez guards the goal. Marc Cucurella keeps his place at right back with Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill making up the rest of the defence. Pochettino noted that he believes Colwill is equally talented on the left as in the centre of the pitch.
Pundit predictions
Chelsea are being tipped to continue their short run of good form as they travel to newly promoted Burnley on Saturday. Vincent Kompany’s side managed to pick up their first win of the season in midweek as they defeated fellow relegation candidates Luton at Kenilworth road.
It leaves Sheffield United at the bottom of the table after eight games but Burnley haven’t managed to catch the eye as much as many had predicted. Last season’s Championship winners have shipped 16 goals so far this term, only the Blades have conceded more, and in the absence of a proven goalscorer they have been found wanting in attack as well.
Although Burnley look strong in-between the boxes and have been praised for their bravery and pressing style it has so far failed to live up to the hype in terms of results. There are, in many ways, solid comparisons with Chelsea who have looked good at times despite their moderate points total so far.
Full squad revealed
Mauricio Pochettino has settled on a group of trusted players at Chelsea as he is left with a squad limited by injuries once more for the trip to Burnley. Unlike Graham Potter, who would not only chop and change the side week-on-week but also the shape and tactics within, Pochettino has stuck to his guns.
Although there have been differences in player types in certain roles across the field the general make-up of the squad is as was largely predicted upon his arrival. The 4-2-3-1 shape is as expected albeit with a lopsided look through the use of Levi Colwill at left-back and a more attack-minded defender on the other side. Ben Chilwell on the left of attack has been moved out through injury and the unstoppable mystery of Mykhailo Mudryk.
