Premier League: Chelsea Welcome Streaking Clarets

Chelsea vs Burnley

The last time Chelsea were in action in the Premier League, they suffered a 2-0 setback at the hands of title challengers Liverpool at Anfield. That defeat has put the Blues on the outside looking in with respect to the top-four race.

Chelsea, who have a tough run-in to contend with, can no longer afford to drop too many points in their final four league games. But up next for them is a tricky home test against Burnley, who have surprisingly been one of the in-form teams in the Premier League of late.

While the Premier League 2019 betting odds heavily favour the Blues to grab all three points, they will be wise not to underestimate the plucky Clarets.

Talking Points

Eden Hazard’s fitness

Chelsea are through to the semi-finals of the Europa League after a 4-3 win over Slavia Prague in midweek. The Blues were made to sweat after Slavia Prague scored two second-half goals, but they were able to hold on for the final half hour.

Both Antonio Rudiger and Marcos Alonso missed the Europa League match due to injury and are once again expected to be absent for the visit of Burnley.

But the much bigger piece of Premier League 2019 news is about the status of Eden Hazard’s ankle. The Belgian winger was substituted off in the second half against Slavia Prague after being on the receiving end of some crunching challenges.

While Maurizio Sarri thinks Hazard can recover from his ankle injury in time to feature against Burnley, it remains to be seen whether the Belgian will be at his very best even if he does play.

However, the Blues can take heart from the fact that they brushed past Burnley 4-0 in their first meeting this season — and they did it without Hazard in the squad.

But even if Hazard is unavailable or limited, they still have Pedro, who was absolutely spectacular against Slavia Prague. The Spanish veteran had two goals (and was denied another by the frame of the goal) as well as an assist in the second leg, which could see him keep his place against Burnley.

Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud also had a goal and an assist for the Blues. But it will be a bit of a surprise if Sarri sticks with Giroud instead of Gonzalo Higuain despite the Frenchman’s fine form of late.

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Serie A

Burnley in banging form

What do Burnley have in common with the top two title challengers, Manchester City and Liverpool? They’re the only three teams in the Premier League who have won each of their last three games, of course!

While the top two have a slightly longer streak, the Clarets can be proud of their recent three-match winning run, which may have been enough to get them to safety.

Sean Dyche’s side began their hat-trick of wins by beating high-flying Wolverhampton Wanderers at home, 2-0. They then blew past Bournemouth 3-1 away from home and took care of relegation-threatened Cardiff, 2-0.

Chris Wood has been in outstanding form of late. He scored both goals in their win against Cardiff, upping his tally to three goals and an assist in his last two games.

Obviously, though, Chelsea will be a big step up from those opponents, and the Clarets haven’t fared too well against the top-six sides this season. They were recently thumped 4-2 by Liverpool at Anfield, were thrashed 5-0 at Manchester City, and got crushed 4-0 by Chelsea in their first meeting this season.

Premier League: sean Dyche's Burnley are set to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge — Burnley manager Sean Dyche on the touchline during their Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers

History

Chelsea and Burnley have met just nine times in Premier League history. Unsurprisingly, Chelsea have the edge in that matchup with six wins to Burnley’s one, and two draws.

Although, Chelsea haven’t been as dominant as you’d expect them to be at home. Two of the three games that Burnley took points against the Blues were at Stamford Bridge, including their one win back in 2017.

Betting Tip

	Chelsea vs Burnley	Burnley Asian Handicap +1.50 @ 2.09
	April 23, 03:00 (GMT+8)

SBOBET odds have a Burnley away win in the 1X2 market priced at a whopping 10.50. But while it’ll be tough for Burnley to extend their current winning streak at Stamford Bridge, it might not be out of the question for them to be more competitive than the odds suggest.

For one, the question mark surrounding Hazard’s health could end up working in their favour. As is the fact that Chelsea were stretched a bit more than expected by Slavia Prague in midweek, which could result in some fatigue setting in.

With those important factors in mind, taking Burnley in the Asian handicap market seems like the smart play.