Chelsea will be missing several key players when they start the defence of their Premier League title at home to Burnley on Saturday.

The Blues will be without injured trio Eden Hazard, Pedro and Tiemoue Bakayoko while Victor Moses is suspended and Diego Costa is in exile having been told he has no future under Antonio Conte.

Chelsea swept to the title last season with a league-record 30 wins, but it has not been smooth sailing since.

After losing the FA Cup final to Arsenal, they have had mixed pre-season results, lost in the Community Shield, again to Arsenal, and there have been reports that Conte has been frustrated by some of the club's transfer activity this summer.

But the Italian says he is looking forward to the new season: "It's a great challenge for us to try and retain the title and we are working hard. We want to be competitive and we want to fight for the title again."


Burnley, who have seen striker Andre Gray leave for Watford, finished 16th in the Premier League last season and did not win an away game until April 29.

Manager Sean Dyche hopes the Clarets do not have to wait so long for an away win this time, but acknowledges they face a challenge to improve on last season.

Team News

Pedro picked up an ankle knock in last Sunday's Community Shield penalty shoot-out loss to Arsenal so misses out for Chelsea.

Moses is suspended following his dismissal in May's FA Cup final defeat to the Gunners while Costa, Hazard (broken ankle) and Bakayoko (knee) remain out.

Sean Dyche says Andre Gray's departure to Watford creates openings for other Burnley players
James Tarkowski and Jon Walters are likely to start for Burnley, with Michael Keane and Gray both sold this summer.

Jack Cork is also pencilled in for a debut in midfield but Phil Bardsley is not fully match fit and may be made to wait.

POSSIBLE STARTING LINE-UPS

Chelsea (3-4-2-1): Courtois; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Cahill, Alonso; Fabregas, Kante; Willian, Morata, Pedro

Burnley (4-4-2): Heaton; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Ward; Arfield, Cork, Hendrick, Brady; Vokes, Walters

Kick-off: Saturday 12th August 2017, 3:00 pm

Venue(Stadium): Stamford Bridge

Last encounter: Chelsea 3 Burnley 0

Our Prediction: Chelsea 3 Burnley 1


Source: http://www.yomzzyblog.com/2017/08/epl-chelsea-vs-burnley-previewdrop-your.html

Chelsea will still win and I hope someone will go from Abuja House in London to watch the game live because what is the essence of recovery without recreation?

Chelsea my pride, missing so many players


Fastgyal good morning dear, r u a football lover?

Chikelue2000:
Chelsea my pride, missing so many players



Fastgyal good morning dear, r u a football lover?

Yea, Manchester United.

Lacazette scored on his Premier League debut.

I doubt Morata replicating that feat.



Till Then..... MANCESTER UNITED,MY PRIDE.

3:0

1:3

Not a Chelsea fan, but they are going to carry the day, I see Morata my former boy giving headache to his doubters today.

#HalaMadridForLife

Chelsea to win 2 zero

1:2

Chelsea all the way

0-0

0-0

Chelsea is definitely gonna carry the day. My prediction is two goals to nil.

Over 2.5 for West London Blue

Liverpool thread didnt made front page. thunder that will fire the mod ehn is doing press up.msheew

2:1 in favor of Liverpool.

Jacksparr0w1207:
Chelsea all the way

You guys are losing this one menhh

.

Blues all da way. We re so winning this match insha Allah... 2:0

luvola:
Liverpool thread didnt made front page. thunder that will fire the mod ehn is doing press up.msheew

Liverpool is yet to win EPL in the modern era.

We are winning this match today.... up blues

Burnley to win

2-0 chelsea

My chelsea team will struggle to win this game

9ce:
2:1 in favor of Liverpool.

Where r your drugs

Although I'm not Yoruba, I love Yoruba interpretations:

English: "I bought pepper that is not good..."
Yoruba: "Morata tio daa..."

Please Chelsea fans shift lemme faint in peace

the game will end 2-2

3 points is set for Burley

MORATA will score hat trick.

4-1 Chelsea win.