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The predicted Chelsea line-up for this afternoon's Premier League match against Burnley with the Blues looking to climb back into the top four at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea will move back into the top four of the Premier League table should the Blues avoid defeat against Burnley this afternoon. The west Londoners, who have won eight of their 11 matches in all competitions with Liam Rosenior as head coach, welcome the second-bottom Clarets to Stamford Bridge.
It has been a mightily impressive start to life in the Chelsea dugout for Rosenior but he needs his players to continue such form as we approach the business end of the season. With the Blues playing before Manchester United, who take on Everton on Monday night, they have the opportunity to leapfrog them into fourth place, while sixth-place Liverpool are in action on Sunday afternoon at Nottingham Forest.
Rosenior's focus is on getting the job done against a Burnley side that look as if they will be relegated back to the Championship this season. With all of that in mind, football.london predicts the line-up Rosenior will choose in SW6 this afternoon.
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Robert Sanchez
Sanchez has been one of Chelsea's most consistent performers all season-long. The Spanish goalkeeper will be hoping for a relatively quiet afternoon at Stamford Bridge.
Reece James
After making his return against Hull City last week, James might keep his place in the side. There were some sloppy moments, as to be expected after a three-game absence, from the Chelsea captain in the win at Hull, so he will be hoping for a more accomplished performance if he does feature this afternoon.
Wesley Fofana
The Frenchman is expected to keep his place in the back four for the visit of Burnley. Having eight days off means Fofana should theoretically be ready to go again as the club keeps a close eye on the defender's fitness.
Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah has been an ever-present figure in the Chelsea defence this season. The Cobham graduate was rested last week in Hull and will be desperate to play football again after a week-and-a-half without it.
Jorrel Hato
Marc Cucurella remains unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Hato could deputise for the Spaniard as the Dutchman looks to continue his fine start to life under Rosenior.
Andrey Santos
When speaking of fine starts under Rosenior, you can't ignore Santos. The Brazilian midfielder has been a revelation under the new head coach thus far and it is difficult to see why he was not used very much by Enzo Maresca.
Moises Caicedo
Caicedo has not been himself recently. The Ecuadorian, though, will be hoping an eight-day rest will benefit him as he looks to rediscover his level from the first half of the campaign.
Cole Palmer
The 23-year-old did not travel to Hull last week as the club continued to manage his minutes. Palmer is expected to come back into the XI today, though, and that could be on the right wing.
Enzo Fernandez
It is difficult to predict Fernandez's exact role in this one, but it is expected to be fluid. In recent games, we have seen the Argentine take up a position on the left wing, but often drift inside. That could be similar for this afternoon's game.
Pedro Neto
Fresh off the back of a hat-trick in Hull last week, where Neto was playing in the No.10 role, surely he has done enough to earn a start. The Portugal international could be used on the left-hand side but alternate with Fernandez.
Joao Pedro
Liam Delap put in an improved second-half display against Hull eight days ago but is set to drop to the bench for the visit of Burnley. Simply put, Joao Pedro's form has been too good for him not to start this one. Surely.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato; Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro
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