Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton could be in for a busy afternoon when Chelsea visit Turf Moor On Sunday lunchtime
On Sunday lunchtime there is a fascinating Premier League encounter at Turf Moor, as Burnley host league leaders Chelsea.
This game would maybe not necessarily standout in the fixture list. However, the Clarets have turned Turf Moor into a fortress of late in the Premier League.
This game could prove to be a potential banana skin for the league leaders.
Burnley’s home form outstanding
Burnley have won 28 of their 29 Premier League points at Turf Moor. The team from Lancashire have been superb on home soil. Sean Dyche’s team have now won their last five league games on home soil, keeping clean sheets in three of their last four home league games.
The Clarets home form looks set to keep the side from Lancashire in the Premier League and they will be determined to continue that good record against the Blues. Burnley’s only defeats at Turf Moor in the top-flight this season have come against Swansea, Arsenal and Manchester City.
All three of those defeats have been by a one-goal margin. The Premier League new boys have not looked out of their depth in any of their home games this season. In fact, they have made Turf Moor one of the most difficult grounds to visit in the Premier League.
Chelsea a major test of that home record
Chelsea coming to town is no doubt a big threat to the Clarets home record. The league leaders are currently nine points clear at the top of the table. Antonio Conte’s team have become the dominant team in the top-flight in recent months.
They have undoubted attacking talent in the likes of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, which will test Tom Heaton and his defenders. The former Manchester United goalkeeper has kept clean sheets in his last four home appearances in all competitions.
The Blues defensive record is also the second best in the top-flight. They are not runaway Premier League leaders for no reason.
Apart from Burnley’s good home record, something that might give the home side confidence is that fact that Chelsea’s away form has not been as consistent of late. The Blues have won one, drew one and lost one of their last three away games.
However, it is worth pointing out that two of those three away games were against Tottenham and Liverpool. Previously, though, Conte’s side had recorded six consecutive away wins in the English top-flight.
It would be naïve to claim those recent perceived failures away from home were a sign that the Blues form is dipping, as Chelsea have proven to be the best team in the Premier League this season so far.
Chelsea are certainly not going to underestimate the Clarets on their home turf. Boss Conte is not the sort of guy to leave anything to chance that is for sure.
Chelsea favourites to win
Despite Burnley’s stellar home record of late in the top-flight, Chelsea are favourites to win this clash at odds of 2/5. Chelsea will be confident of a victory in Lancashire, but Burnley will certainly not be pushovers.
A win would move the Clarets one step closer to securing their Premier League status for next season, which they only look a few wins away from achieving. Burnley’s home form has been that good of late that a win for the Clarets would maybe not be a major shock in this clash.
Ironically this game could be a bigger test for the Blues than if they were facing a Premier League title contender. Burnley will feel they have nothing to lose, as they are expected to lose this game.
For me, Burnley’s recent good run of form at Turf Moor is likely to come to an end against Chelsea. However, it will not be easy for Chelsea, but then again what Premier League game is.
Will Chelsea end Burnley’s good recent home run?
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