Chelsea set to confirm title favourites tag against Burnley

Despite Burnley (8/1 chances for a home victory) boasting a better head-to-head record against Chelsea (2/5 odds-on favourites) historically, they have not beaten the Blues in the league since 1983 in the old Division 2.

The last time the duo played was in 2010, also at Turf Moor, with the London side being 2-1 victors, and you can back them at 8/1 to win by that scoreline again.

However, a bigger beating could be on the cards here, following Chelsea’s signings of superstar Spanish duo Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, as well as the forward’s old Atletico Madrid teammate Filipe Luis. All are all likely to feature.

Former Arsenal captain Fabregas returns to the Premier League after enjoying a trophy-laden, but perhaps slightly disappointing, spell personally back at boyhood club Barcelona. But the 27-year-old has been in fine form in pre-season, and scored in his last two games against Burnley. He is 5/4 to net anytime, and 5/1 to get the first goal.

Costa, meanwhile, has been equally impressive in Chelsea’s friendlies, putting his World Cup woes behind him by scoring freely. He is evens to net anytime, and 5/1 to bag a brace or better.

While Fabregas returns to England’s top-flight, Blues legend Didier Drogba has decided to make a Stamford Bridge homecoming. The Ivorian, now 36-years-old, picked up a knock to his knee in pre-season, but could feature from the bench. He is 5/1 to score last and double his tally against Burnley, as he netted against them in a League Cup game back in 2008.

The Clarets went on to win that match, however, after a penalty shootout. Whilst that may be a tough task this time around, they did hold the Blues 1-1 after normal time, and are 8/1 to do so again, or 7/2 just to draw.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche (nicknamed the ‘Ginger Mourinho’ by some) has made a number of signings this summer with his limited budget, but has brought in attacking talent such as Marvin Sordell and Lukas Jutkiewicz. They are 10/3 and 11/4 respectively in the anytime scorer market.

Another striker on Burnley’s books is their in-demand star man Danny Ings, who has managed not to be tempted away from the northwest side so far this summer. He is also 11/4 to net anytime.