Chelsea v Burnley @ Stamford Bridge
Saturday, February 21, 2015 @ 3.00pm
Chelsea face Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Saturday knowing victory could put them 10 points clear in the Premier League title race.
Closest challenges Manchester City do not play until the evening giving the Blues the chance to strike a strong psychological blow.
Relegation strugglers Burnley have only won once in their past nine Premier League games but did fight back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Manchester City at the end of December, leaving John Terry to warn against complacency.
He said: “We are back in the Premier League this weekend in what is a massive three points.
“It is important that we win and they have shown already at Man City that they are hungry and fighting.”
Diego Costa will make his first league appearance since picking up a three-match ban for a stamp on Liverpool’s Emre Can in the Capital One Cup semi-final.
The Spaniard has 17 goals this season, and netted in Chelsea’s opening day 3-1 victory against Burnley at Turf Moor.
Cesc Fabregas was substituted in the second half of Tuesday’s 1-1 Champions League draw against Paris St Germain after suffering from illness but should be fit to start.
Burnley sit second bottom but are only one point from safety.
Danny Ings will again be their main attacking threat, with nine league goals this season, including five in his last six league games, while fellow striker Lukas Jutiewicz could return from injury.
Star man: Diego Costa – The forward has been Chelsea’s talisman this season.
Danger Man: Danny Ings – If Burnley are to stay up, much will depend on the in-form striker.
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Feature image courtesy of Brent Flanders, with thanks
