Chelsea news as both Paul Merson and Harry Redknapp predict a Blues win over Burnley as Mauricio Pochettino given three players that must play
Chelsea are being tipped to continue their short run of good form as they travel to newly promoted Burnley on Saturday. Vincent Kompany’s side managed to pick up their first win of the season in midweek as they defeated fellow relegation candidates Luton at Kenilworth road.
It leaves Sheffield United at the bottom of the table after eight games but Burnley haven’t managed to catch the eye as much as many had predicted. Last season’s Championship winners have shipped 16 goals so far this term, only the Blades have conceded more, and in the absence of a proven goalscorer they have been found wanting in attack as well.
Although Burnley look strong in-between the boxes and have been praised for their bravery and pressing style it has so far failed to live up to the hype in terms of results. There are, in many ways, solid comparisons with Chelsea who have looked good at times despite their moderate points total so far.
The Blues sit just four points above their hosts heading into the game and won just a second match of the league season away to Fulham on Monday. They could continue their gradual climb up the table with victory and boast the second best defence in the league.
Burnley could also move to within one point of Mauricio Pochettino’s men instead but have been given little chance of doing so. Writing for BetVictor, former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp isn’t offering up much hope of an upset at Turf Moor.
“What a massive win that was for Burnley. You just felt like they needed that win, you never really settle until you get your first win. They need to make Turf Moor a fortress, going up there and getting a result shouldn’t be as easy as it has been.
“It’s taken a while, but I do see some improvement in Chelsea. They were solid against Fulham, and I thought there was two lads in particular who were different class, [Enzo] Fernandez and [Levi] Colwill. Fernandez has so much quality on the ball, the fella is a World Cup winner after all. Colwill though, what a talent this boy is. I’ve got to go for Chelsea.”
He also picked out a third player to watch, saying: “He finally got off the mark the other day and I think [Mykhailo] Mudryk will relax and begin to show his talent. There’s a real player here.”
Rednapp’s prediction: Burnley 0-2 Chelsea
Paul Merson is taking a similar line of thinking. Writing in his Sportskeeda column the Arsenal legend said: “Chelsea got a major confidence boost against Fulham the other day. With Mudryk, the problem is decision-making – that’s a significant part of the game that he’s struggling with.
“I think he’s been trying too hard. He’s got to relax – he is a very good player. The goal against Fulham would’ve done his confidence a world of good.
“Armando Broja also looked like a big threat up front, and he’ll be like a new signing for Chelsea. It’s great news for them that he’s back, and he could save them a lot of money in future. Conor Gallagher also looks like a mainstay in midfield all of a sudden – football can change so quickly.
“Burnley pulled off a phenomenal result against Luton. They did well against United at home but got blown away in their other games. They will have a go at home, but Chelsea should be able to win this game.”
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