Chelsea pose stern test of Burnley´s dream start

Burnley supporters beginning to feel that their team’s first foray into the Premier League has been a dream come true could be on the verge of a rude wake-up call at Chelsea on Saturday.

Owen Coyle’s side travel to Stamford Bridge this weekend for a game that might serve as a pointed reminder of the gulf that exists between the genuine contenders and the also-rans in the top flight.

The Clarets might have chalked up a famous victory over Manchester United on home soil last week, but playing a member of the ‘big four’ on their own turf is a different matter altogether: it could be a long lunchtime for Owen Coyle and his players.

That said, there would be no disgrace in Burnley coming unstuck in west London.

After a stodgy opening-day performance against Hull, Chelsea have made an imperious start to the new season, comfortably swatting away the challenge of Sunderland and Fulham in their two subsequent away games and setting a ferocious early pace for their title rivals.

Their success has hardly been shrouded in mystery. For all the talk of new manager Carlo Ancelotti’s adaptation of the club’s tried-and-tested 4-3-3, the west Londoners have relied on familiar strengths this term: the muscular force of Didier Drogba, who has already netted twice, the delicate skills of Nicolas Anelka and a stellar midfield which retains its ability to swamp lesser opponents.

Even the defence, which had leaked avoidable goals against Hull and Sunderland, appears to be finding its rhythm, having easily kept Fulham at arm’s length.

Nobody at Stamford Bridge will be taking success for granted just yet, however.

Luiz Felipe Scolari enjoyed a similarly gilded beginning to his reign as Chelsea manager last season, going 12 games unbeaten and rattling in 28 goals in the process, before being sacked in February.

Those who believe in such things will also consider Burnley’s visit on Saturday an ill omen.

It was a League Cup defeat to the Clarets which began Scolari’s slide from favour last November and the memories of that wretched night – which also saw Drogba throw a coin at travelling fans after being pelted with missiles himself – should ensure there is no complacency in the home ranks.

Even so, Ancelotti is certain to make changes from the side that won at Craven Cottage, with the Italian in the enviable position of having a virtually fully fit squad to choose from after Joe Cole and Paulo Ferreira recovered from long-term knee injuries.

“We have so many big players in the team,” said Anelka. “We rested people at Sunderland and won and we rested people against Fulham and won.

“We are still winning games and that is important because it is a long season and we need to have everybody.

“Of course, everybody wants to play every game. But the new manager has said we will make some changes, some swaps and rest some players. The most important thing is to win with Chelsea.”

As for Burnley, their superb start to the campaign has not deterred Coyle from seeking to improve his squad before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month, a point which might just crank up the pressure on his nen.

“I’m always looking to add and if there’s money available I will spend it,” he said. “We would like to add and help the lads we have but if it doesn’t happen, so be it. We don’t moan about finances – we know what we’re working with and we make the most of it.

“I believe the squad is ready and will give everything. We are enjoying the challenge of the Premier League and we want to make the most of every game we’re playing this season.”