Chelsea's upcoming clash with Burnley at Stamford Bridge is a must-win for manager Liam Rosenior, but it's a fixture that has caused unexpected trouble in the past.
Despite Chelsea's dominant position in the Premier League, their record against Burnley, especially at home, is a cause for concern. With the Blues aiming for Champions League qualification, every point matters, and a slip-up against a lower-ranked team could be costly.
The Blues' recent history with Burnley is a tale of missed opportunities. In their last two encounters at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea failed to secure wins, drawing both times. A brace from Cole Palmer in 2024 wasn't enough to secure all three points, and a 1-1 draw in 2021 ended a remarkable seven-game winning streak.
But here's where it gets controversial: Chelsea's overall record against Burnley in recent years is impressive, with just two losses in 12 games. However, their home form against the Clarets is a stark contrast, with only two wins from five games in West London.
And this is the part most people miss: Chelsea's last defeat to Burnley at Stamford Bridge was in 2017, when they were the reigning champions. Since then, they've gone unbeaten against Burnley, but their home record remains a puzzle.
So, what should Rosenior do? Should he rotate his squad, given the opposition's position in the table? Or should he field a strong team to make a statement and secure a much-needed win?
The manager's decisions will be crucial, especially with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool breathing down their necks for a top-four spot.
What do you think? Should Rosenior stick with his usual lineup or give some players a well-deserved rest? And how do you think Chelsea will fare against Burnley? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
