Burnley v Chelsea: In-form Clarets can maintain momentum against Blues

Burnley v Chelsea
Thursday, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports Premier League

Burnley on a high

A Manager of the Month award for Sean Dyche, five wins on the spin and the sweet smell of European football in the air: it's fair to say these are good times for Burnley. The Clarets are just a couple of points behind Arsenal, meaning a victory against Chelsea here would take them into sixth (if only temporarily) - a huge achievement for a club of their size.

They might not be the clean-sheet machine of the first half of the season - they've managed just one shut-out in 13 - but the attack has clicked into gear to make up for it, with Ashley Barnes dominant and Chris Wood in deadly form since returning from injury. If they maintain their momentum over the final five games, there's every chance they'll be heading into the Europa League next term.

Chelsea continue to toil

The mood is less positive at Chelsea, with the top four disappearing over the horizon and a summer of turmoil likely. They dug themselves out of a hole against Southampton at the weekend, but it is telling that their only league victories since the start of December have come against clubs battling against relegation: Huddersfield, Saints (twice), Brighton (twice), Stoke, West Brom and Crystal Palace.

They have struggled in games against sides with a bit more about them, and won't have fond memories of playing Burnley: their opening-day defeat to the Clarets set the tone for much of what has followed this season. They were also held at Turf Moor last term, Robbie Brady cancelling out Pedro's early opener.

Clarets can avoid defeat

Antonio Conte's side have won just three of their last 10 away Premier League games and look far too short at 1.96 here. Burnley have their tails up, and while 4.50 on the home win would be a risk, there's value to be had on the Asian handicap, with the Clarets 2.02 to avoid defeat against Chelsea for the third game on the spin.

Goals on the cards

10 of Chelsea's last 13 Premier League games have gone over the 2.5-goal mark. Given that each of Burnley's last five have too, and neither of these sides is keeping clean sheets as they once did, the overs looks a solid pick at 2.16.

Wood the man for Burnley

Chris Wood has hit the ground running since returning to the Burnley side, scoring five goals in his last 317 minutes on the pitch. He could have some joy against a Chelsea defence that hasn't kept a clean sheet since February, and should be available at around 3.00 to score anytime.

RECOMMENDED BETS

Back Burnley +0.5 at 2.02

Back Chris Wood to score at 3.00