Defending Champions Chelsea started their 2017-18 season with a devastating result against Burnley on Saturday afternoon. Gary Cahill saw straight red in 14th minute which left the flood gate open as Burnley scored three before the break. Sam Vokes scored two of them while Stephen Ward got the other one. Chelsea responded well after the break with Alvaro Morata coming on as sub to scored for Chelsea.
Match Highlights:
Chelsea 2-3 Burnley Highlights
[ Premier League 2017-18 Match ]
14′ [ Red Card ] Gary Cahill was sent off with a straight red in 14th minute of the game.
24′ 0 – 1 Sam Vokes scored with a first time finished to make it 1-0 for Burnley and that was the script of things to come.
39′ 0 – 2 Stephen Ward made it 2-0 in 39th minute as Burnley took control of the game.
43′ 0 – 3 Sam Vokes scored his second and Burnley’s third just before the break to put the result beyond Chelsea.
Chelsea enjoyed a staller season under Antonio Conte winning the league and reaching FA Cup final last year but this summer has been a very turbulence one with Diego Costa issues and Matic moving to title challengers Manchester United. Chelsea do have a few signings but they are short in numbers as a squad in whole and Conte is hoping to add couple of more players before the transfers window shuts in three weeks time.
Robert Brady was the hero last time these two meet back in February when his 24th minute strike canceled out Pedro’s opener. Chelsea however won the earlier game in the season at Stamford Bridge 3-0.
Burnley FC 1-1 Chelsea – February 12, 2017
[ Premier League 2017 Match ]
07′ 0 – 1 Pedro Rodriguez continue his rich reign of form with another goal against Burnely this Sunday afternoon.
24′ 1 – 1 Robert Brady equalized for Burnley in 24th minute to make it 1-1 on the day.
Chelsea 3-0 Burnley – August 2016 ]
[ English Premier League ]
09′ 1 – 0 Eden Hazard scored in just 10th minute of the game to put Chelsea in lead with a superb lowe drive past Burnley keeper.
41′ 2 – 0 Willian made it 2-0 just before the break and from than on it looked only 1 result.
89′ 3 – 0 Victor Moses came on as second half sub to score Chelsea’s third
Chelsea rested several key players in the midfield and we can expect Conte to start with his prefered lineup where Diego Costa is set to lead the line having scored two winning goals in opening two matches. Willian, Oscar and Hazard to start in attacking roles while Matic and N’golo Kante to start in central midfield roles. This is how I expect both teams to lineup on Saturday.
Match Predictions: Chelsea have been in absolute superb form this season and they are currently 9 points ahead of the nearest rivals and I expect them to wrap up another three points against a difficult team Burnley who tend to pull off surprise results at home against bigger teams. I am going with a 2-0 win for Chelsea in this one.
Chelsea 2 Burnley 0