Burnley V Chelsea Betting: Saturday, 30th January (ESPN)

Burnley V Chelsea

Saturday, 30^th January – 17:15 GMT (ESPN)

Burnley

League Position: 18th

Recent Form: LDLLL 

Burnley have rapidly gone off the boil in a relatively short space of time and have now opened up an eleven match run without winning a game in the Premiership. You have to stretch your memory back to the 31^st October, for Burnley’s last league win in which they beat Hull City 2-0 at Turf Moor. The venue for Saturday’s live encounter with Chelsea, and also a venue where Burnley have beaten Manchester United this season – the current English champions, and where they held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw. Make of that what you will, punters…

The issue regarding Burnley is a lot like the one surrounding Hull City last season in that a blistering start to the season, one which has been built upon a solid set of home results for Burnley, has now gone off the boil and the confidence levels in the camp has dropped considerably in toe. The Burnley players have no idea what that winning feeling actually feels like after eleven games without winning in the league, whilst their FA Cup dreams were sent crashing when they were knocked out by Reading two weeks ago. As if it matters couldn’t get any worse!

It’s no pretty clear that Burnley were riding high on a Euphoric wave of success in the early part of the season and now a win less run has opened up, Burnley are struggling through a lack of momentum and confidence. Moreover, they’ve now lost three successive games in the league, although all three were away from home and Burnley fans can at least take some heart from the fact they’ve gone five games unbeaten at Turf Moor. Their last four, however, have been draws, score draws, and now even their form at Turf Moor, which was a happy hunting ground for them earlier on, has deserted them leaving them on the verge of capitulation.

Burnley only really know how to play one way and that’s on the front foot. It’s been a successful tactic for them thus far, especially at home, but without Owen Coyle at the helm we can easily envisage even their best attribute, which is their attacking play, going straight out the window in quick time. The problem I can see arising is gaps being left at the back as Burnley bid to strike at the other end and this could lead to a Chelsea onslaught. A huge defensive display is required for Burnley to take anything out of this game, although they can seek inspiration from their 1-0 victory over Manchester United back in August.

Chelsea

League Position: 1st

Recent Form: DDWWW

Chelsea have an ideal opportunity to go further clear at the top of the Barclay’s Premiership table with a win at Turf Moor. Moreover, it would extend Chelsea’s winning run to four in the league and take them to eight unbeaten. The confidence is growing as Chelsea’s form grows stronger, and now their chances of adding more points in the forthcoming weeks should enhance greatly with the return of some of their African stars, most notably Didier Drogba.  

Carlo Ancelotti will have an array of star at his beckon call for this trip to Burnley now that the AfCON draws to a close. However, Chelsea have coped stoutly without their African contingents and the Italian might be reluctant to change a winning formula as the pressure at the top tightens. Chelsea had relinquished their grasp of top spot in the new year, despite not dropping a single point since Boxing Day, but have overhauled Man Utd to return to the summit and a win would reinforce their stance as the leagues favourite to secure the crown. 

The blues have been playing some immense football of late and you would be a brave punter to oppose them in Saturday’s encounter. They’ve won their last three league games, all coming at home, but they’ve scored goals a plenty along the way, scoring a staggering twelve goals in their last three games in the Premiership. However, in a bid not to deceive you folk, we must point out that Chelsea have been stuttering on the road in recent weeks and haven’t won an away fixture since they demolished Arsenal at The Emirates 3-0. It’s now three away games without a win for Chelsea but they won’t get many easier opportunities to end a surprisingly poor away run.

Chelsea haven’t shown too many frailties this season but when they have occurred they’ve generally come away from home and this is backed up by an ‘average’ away record: 5-2-3. Chelsea have yet to lose at home this season but yet have suffered three defeats on the road. Their concentration levels have been spot on throughout but when lapses have cropped up it’s been away from Stamford Bridge and a three match away run without winning will have the Chelsea players doubting their ability. Their poor away form does throw somewhat of a curve ball in what should otherwise be a straightforward victory in our eyes.

Match Verdict: Chelsea to WIN – 1.30 PaddyPower

The only real doubt over Chelsea is their away drought of three games. However, that looks set to disappear as they travel to Turf Moor looking for their fourth win in succession. Their squad will be boosted, their form is perfect and they’ve been scoring goals for fun. Burnley, however, have gone well and truly off the boil and will struggle to attain a point in this game we feel. Chelsea look far too strong on paper and we hope they’ll back that claim up with a comfortable win on Saturday evening… LIVE on ESPN!

Match Odds:

Burnley – 15.00 VCbet

Draw – 5.50 Boylesports

Chelsea – 1.30 PaddyPower

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Chelsea -1 Goal (Handicap) – 1.95 SkyBet