Chelsea predicted lineup vs Burnley - Premier League
By Max Parsons
Chelsea get back to matters on the pitch this Saturday, as they make the trip to Burnley in the Premier League.
Among all the off-field drama, Thomas Tuchel's side are fresh from a nervy FA Cup win at Luton in midweek, securing their place in the competition's last eight. The Blues have won seven of their previous eight in all competitions and go in search of a third consecutive Premier League victory, having beaten Tottenham and Crystal Palace in their last two.
They'll be favourites to make it three, too, facing a relegation-threatened Burnley, who have just fallen to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Leicester. Here's how Tuchel could set out his Chelsea side.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Edouard Mendy (GK) - Might have made it three trophies in February were it not for the League Cup final defeat to Liverpool; set to return to the side in place of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Trevoh Chalobah (CB) - Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are both doubts, so we could see Chalobah start here if he is fit following his nasty cut.
Thiago Silva (CB) - The Brazilian didn't feature in midweek, but should be raring to go for a sixth successive Premier League start this weekend.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) - With stamina and enthusiasm for the game that seem to be boundless, Rudiger will undoubtedly start once again.
2. Wing-backs & midfielders
Reece James (RWB) - Should be in line for a first start of 2022 after enjoying cameos off the bench in his side's previous two.
Mateo Kovacic (CM) - Not easy to predict who will start in the middle for Chelsea but, having been rested in midweek, the Croatian could play here.
N'Golo Kante (CM) - Kante was also absent for that game at Luton, and should return to the side for a second successive league start.
Marcos Alonso (LWB) - Kenedy started in midweek to remind everyone he was actually still a Blues player, but Alonso should be set to come back into the fold.
3. Forwards
Mason Mount (RF) - Hakim Ziyech is a doubt for this one, likely meaning Mount's inclusion on the right of the front three.
Romelu Lukaku (ST) - Ended his eight-game domestic goal drought on Wednesday night, and will hope to get his first Premier League strike in over two months this weekend.
Kai Havertz (LF) - Rom vs Kai is shaping up to be an intriguing battle for the leading role at Stamford Bridge, but the German could start on the left here.