With a rare week off between matches, Chelsea should be able to start their current best XI against Burnley as the Blues seek home form.
The winter slog takes a lot out of sides so it is rare to have more than five days of rest. Chelsea had plenty in the lead up to the Burnley game to step back and reassess current positions. The Blues should be fresh and Frank Lampard can afford to start his best XI for an opponent like Burnley. Home form is needed and this can be the start of it if the team has the right mentality after their layoff.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, 1, Goalkeeper, Spain
The pendulum has fully gone back in Arrizabalaga’s favor with the defense still leaving him hanging. It must be frustrating for the keeper, especially as more and more stats float around showing how he is statistically one of the Premier League’s worst. He is surely better than that but his defense rarely does him any favors.
Reece James, 24, Right back, England
James wrecked Nottingham Forest with his crosses and sheer dynamism. Cesar Azpilicueta will still play plenty but it becomes difficult to justify not starting James more and more. The full back does have his moments of lapses, but overall he puts together solid performances. He will eventually become one of the world’s best if he applies himself to it.
Kurt Zouma, 15, Center back, France
Zouma is Frank Lampard’s most trusted defender so he will probably play. There is always an argument to be made for Antonio Rudiger, but he has cooled since his initial return. Zouma may not be perfect but he does get the job done and Frank Lampard seems to appreciate that. Burnley will force Chelsea into difficult set piece situations so Zouma and his partner will need to be at their best.
Fikayo Tomori, 29, Center back, England
Tomori is quietly one of Chelsea’s better players but it is true he has faded from the start of the season. That is not necessarily his fault as everyone has taken a step back since the winter slog began. With a week off, he and his teammates should all be rested to take Burnley to task. There cannot be many more excuses for bad days against lower teams.
Emerson, 33, Left back, Italy
Given that Burnley will be expected to sit off, it is a good day for Emerson to return and try to reclaim a spot in the starting XI. Marcos Alonso is still rebuilding his fitness after a small injury and Azpilicueta should not be required against a team like Burnley. Emerson does need to step up, however, with rumors of transfers never far away.