Chelsea and Burnley are under an hour away from kick-off in their Premier League clash. Here are the confirmed starting elevens for both sides.
As we close in on kick-off, Antonio Conte and Sean Dyche have submitted their team sheets for Chelsea’s clash with Burnley. Let’s a take a look.
Chelsea subs today: Begovic, Aina, Fabregas, Loftus-Cheek, Moses, Pedro, Batshuayi. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 27, 2016
TEAM NEWS: Here's how the Clarets line-up against @ChelseaFC this afternoon. #ClaretsLIVE pic.twitter.com/MeYXv5jLcY
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) August 27, 2016
must read: Predictions for Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Burnley
As expected, Thibaut Courtois regains his spot between the posts after sitting out the 3-2 victory over Bristol Rovers. The back four is also unchanged from Chelsea’s last Premier League game, with the veterans populating the backline.
This is somewhat forced due to injuries. Ola Aina started in the EFL Cup, but he limped off in the second half. With Kurt Zouma still injured and the whereabouts of Matt Miazga unknown, the back four picks itself. Aina is fit enough to be on the bench, though.
In a move that is certain to disappoint Chelsea fans, Conte has stuck with the 4-1-4-1 formation. The Blues have looked most dangerous when employing the 4-4-2, but the Italian has thought better of starting with that set-up this afternoon.
Most irritatingly, Michy Batshuayi is not in the starting line-up. The Belgian has scored three goals in his first three games, despite only starting one of them. He has looked significantly more threatening than Diego Costa, but the Spanish international gets the nod.
Willian returns to the team after struggling with a calf problem. He will play opposite Eden Hazard, who will be hoping to continue his fine start to the season. The attacking midfield duo consists of Oscar and Nemanja Matic, while N’Golo Kante takes up his customary role behind them.
All eyes will be on Matic to see whether he can improve on a couple of atrocious displays in the attacking slot. The Serbian does not appear cut out for the role, but evidently Conte sees something in him.
Victor Moses and Cesc Fabregas are two more game-changing players on the bench. Overall, though, fans may be slightly annoyed at what can be perceived as a cautious team. There are certainly cases to be made for a number of substitutes to be starting ahead of their colleagues.
On the other side of affairs, Sean Dyche names the same side that beat Liverpool 2-0 last week. Andre Gray will be the one to watch after his heroics and he will likely provide the ageing duo of Gary Cahill and John Terry with many headaches.
This Burnley side are well-organised, making up for their lack of star-power with heart and effort. Chelsea are in for a stern test.
What do you think of the teams? Who will make an impact? Let us know in the comments below!