Four wins and a draw in the league since Liam Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca at the start of the year is a more than decent return, and Chelsea go into the weekend knowing a win would lift them into the top four before the rest of the Saturday results are in.
Their opponents, Burnley, have had a rather more turbulent week. A spirited 3-2 win at Crystal Palace suggested they retain the fight that will be needed if they are to escape the bottom three, only for a humiliating FA Cup exit at the hands of Mansfield Town to bring the mood crashing back down.
Scott Parker’s side travel to West London as heavy underdogs and with a defensive record – 51 goals conceded in 26 games – that is comfortably the worst in the division. Chelsea, benefitting from a rare eight-day break courtesy of Joao Pedro’s heroics against Napoli eliminating them from European midweeks, arrive fresh and focused.
Here’s how the teams line up at the Bridge.
Chelsea team news
Chelsea have a significant injury list in defence. Marc Cucurella (hamstring), Levi Colwill (knee) and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (thigh) are all definitely out, while Romeo Lavia is a doubt with a thigh problem.
Reece James and Cole Palmer are both fit and available and start.
Chelsea XI: Robert Sánchez, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Moisés Caicedo, Andrey Santos, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, João Pedro
Burnley team news
Burnley have multiple absentees including Connor Roberts (Achilles), Mike Tresor (ankle), Jordan Beyer (thigh), Zeki Amdouni (knee) and Josh Cullen (knee). Axel Tuanzebe is nearing a return but is not expected back until March.
Burnley XI: Martin Dúbravka, Maxime Estève, Joe Worrall, Josh Laurent, Bashir Humphreys, Hannibal Mejbri, Lesley Ugochukwu, Kyle Walker, Jaidon Anthony, Marcus Edwards, Zian Flemming
Where to watch Chelsea v Burnley
This match kicks off at 3pm and is not available to watch live in the UK due to the Saturday afternoon blackout. Highlights will be available on the Sky Sports app and YouTube channel from 5.15pm, and on Match of the Day on BBC One from 10.30pm.
