The last time Chelsea and Burnley met on opening day, their respective seasons could not have ended more differently. We’ll limit our predictions to what will just happen today.
Chelsea start their title defence against one of the few teams to nick a few points from them in the middle of last season. The Clarets will be as tough as ever, but all signs point towards the Blues taking the three points. Our staff weighed in with their expectations for the result.
Ajitesh Rasgotra: 1 – 1. Chelsea struggle out of the blocks as Burnley take advantage of the Blues’ transfer frustration and vulnerabilities.
Aviskar KC: 1 – 0. Chelsea are defensively solid but not too great offensively, but Cesc Fabregas’s creativity drags them to a win.
Abhishek Pancholi: 2 – 0. A bit laboured at times, but we’ll get there in the end. Expect a late Gary Cahill goal to settle the nerves.
Must Read: Chelsea's preseason adversity clouds Blues' resilience, potential
Scott Brant: 2 – 1. Here we go! After a crazy couple months off, Antonio Conte and Chelsea have to face Burnley. I’m expecting a slow match to start opening up as the match progresses. Chelsea get two before Burnley draws one back.
Dan Mcclue: 2 – 0. The Blues cruise with a makeshift lineup while Burnley continue their away struggles from last season. Michy Batshuayi scores two and Chalo…whoops, ummmm, Antonio Rudiger adds the third on his debut.
Travis Tyler: 2 – 0. The gloves are off and the real matches start with Chelsea beating Burnley in an uneventful game. It will not be entertaining, but Michy Batshuayi and Alvaro Morata will find their names on the score sheet in a routine win.
Joel Slagle: 2 – 0. The Blues will win, but they’ll have to work for it.
Next: History points to tough but manageable fixture as Chelsea take on Burnley