CHELSEA v BURNLEY
Saturday 12th August 2017 – Kickoff; 1500hrs
Football – England – Premier League Betting Tips
The new Premier League season kicks off in earnest on Saturday, and where better to start than with the current title holders, Chelsea, taking on a Burnley outfit that remained defiant in their return to the English top flight last season.
Antonio Conte brought the Premier League crown back to Stamford Bridge in his first season of football management in England last term, and while Leicester City suffered from ‘second season syndrome’ last campaign, Chelsea should have enough quality and depth in squad to make another serious title challenge again this season.
However, Conte will have to make do without the services of influential playmaker, Eden Hazard, as the Belgian is injured, as too is Bakayoko, while Victor Moses is suspended. Pedro and Willian are expected to fill the playmaker roles, while new signing Morata could start up front.
Visitors Burnley defied the odds last season as many expected the Lancashire outfit to fold and be fighting a relegation battle come early May, but the powers that be kept faith with manager Sean Dyche following their previous relegation from the top flight, and he repaid the faith in spades.
The Clarets looked destined for a solid mid-table finish at one point, thanks to their solid form at Turf Moor, but two wins from their last 15 league matches saw them wobble towards the end. Nevertheless, they finished six points clear of the relegation zone, although Dyche will be keen for his side to pick up more points away from home than last term – just 7 points on the road contributed to Burnley’s overall haul of 40.
This season will be a tough one for Dych and co as they embark upon this campaign without key defender Michael Keane who has left for Everton, and Andre Gray, who chipped in with 9 goals last term, but has since moved to Watford.
Chelsea have the necessary depth and superior talent over a hard-working Burnley side, and the quality should shine through here today.
Pick: Chelsea HT/FT @ 1.83 Coral
