Big Match Breakdown: Burnley v Chelsea

Can Clarets do the double over Conte’s men?

Burnley stunned Stamford Bridge on the opening day of the 2017-18 by leaving with all three points. And Chelsea have had to wait nearly eight months for a shot at revenge.

But that’s not the main narrative here. The Clarets are looking to secure European football, while Antonio Conte’s Blues could keep their faint top-four hopes alive with a victory.

The Coral News Team take a close look at this crucial clash with the latest Big Match Breakdown…

Head-to-Head

Historically, these clubs’ record is pretty even. Burnley have won 38 meetings to Chelsea’s 34, with 23 games ending even-stevens.

That’s also been the case in recent seasons. The last four clashes have seen one win apiece, with the Clarets pulling off a 3-2 win in West London last time out.

There tend to be goals, with both sides netting in five of the last six meetings. And this fixture seems to bring the feisty side out in the Blues. They’ve had three players sent off across the last four Head-to-Heads.

Likely XIs

The Clarets still have a handful of key players out with injury, including Jon Walters and Steven Defour – but there are no new names on the sidelines.

With their recent form so strong, Sean Dyche is unlikely to change much from Saturday’s victory over Leicester City. However, the experienced and tenacious Phil Bardsley could return to the side for this high-stakes clash.

Olivier Giroud was last weekend’s super sub for the Blues, and is likely to replace the struggling Alvaro Morata in the starting XI. Willian and Eden Hazard are likely to occupy a wider position behind the French frontman.