Chelsea are currently unbeaten season. Their opening Monday’s victory against West Ham United was following by 2-1 win against Watford last Saturday. This weekend they welcome the newly promoted Burnley to Stamford Bridge hoping to continue their march forward. Things are looking fairly positive at Chelsea right now, Costa has scored 2 in 2, Eden Hazard seems to be back in form, while summer signing Michy Batshuayi has been very impressive in the little game time he has had till now. After the disastrous last season, where Chelsea finished 10th on the table, Antonio Conte has a tough job on his hands getting the Blues back playing amongst the elites of Europe.
The Blues did a play a midweek game against Bristol Rovers in the CFL which they won but it is unlikely Conte is going to shuffle his players a lot given it’s still the first month of the season. Conte is still in the transfer market for a striker, after failing to complete negotiations with Everton over the return of Romelu Lukaku. Here is the predicted Chelsea starting XI that might start against Burnley.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Courtois was rested for the match against Bristol Rovers, however, given the importance of the Premier League this season, Conte will surely bring back the Belgian into the starting XI. He would have been disappointed after letting in the opening against Watford at his near post.
Defenders: John Terry, Gary Cahill, Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta
John Terry started on the bench in the midweek game and later came on to make a substitute appearance. He will return to lead the Chelsea defense line alongside compatriot Gary Cahill in the center. After a disappointing last season, Cahill has looked much more assured this season. Ivanovic who started centrally against Rovers will return to his usual position on the right, with Azpilicueta slotting in at right-back. Ivanovic was badly out of touch early last season but has started this season pretty confidently under Antonio Conte.
Midfielders: Kante, Fabregas, Victor Moses, Willian, Eden Hazard and Oscar
If Conte again chooses to play 4-1-4-1 on Saturday, then we might see Matic bring dropped to the bench in favor of Fabregas, who will partner Kante in the center, in a somewhat advanced role. Willian is a doubt for this match after picking up an injury last match, therefore it could the midweek goalscorer Moses on the right wing. Hazard will continue in his normal position on the left wing. The Belgian international has looked much more threatening this season than the last. Oscar will continue in that number 10 role behind the striker.
Striker: Diego Costa
Costa has been in brilliant form till now, he already has 2 goals to his name. Though Batshuayi has also done well in the chances presented to him, it is unlikely that Conte will drop the Spanish striker.