English Premier
2010-01-30 - Burnley vs Chelsea
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:After returning to the top with a 3-0 win over Birmingham, they now have a point over Manchester United with a game in hand to play. Chelsea knows that a win here would be a real boost as Manchester United and Arsenal clash in the Super Sunday clash tomorrow.
Chelsea would thus want to go four points clear at the top with United or Arsenal guaranteed to lose ground in the title race - maybe even both if they cancelled each other out with a draw.
Even though Chelsea have been without Michael Essien, Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and John Mikel Obi due to the African Cup of Nations, they have won their last five to reach the FA Cup fifth round and maintain hope of a first league title since 2006.
The home side Burnley have been dropping since making a promising start to their first Premier League campaign and are now in the bottom three. They have gone 11 league games without a win and were beaten by Bolton in midweek. That defeat saw Burnley leapfrogged by Bolton, and draws for West Ham and Wolves leave them in the bottom three position.
They have also failed to score in Brian Laws' three games in charge since succeeding Coyle. After five straight away games they now return to Turf Moor.
Burnley have earned 19 of their 20 league points at home, losing just once, and they have already taken points off the big boys there - beating United in August and drawing 1-1 with Arsenal last month. So they will hope to upset the form book and take something in this match as well.
Law has brought in Leon Cort and Nicky Weaver before the transfer window closes. Defender Cort arrived from Stoke for £1.5million this week while former Manchester City goalkeeper Weaver has joined until the end of the season after a spell with Dundee United in the Scottish Premier League.
Cameroon defender Andre Bikey is available again after returning from the Cup of Nations, while Graham Alexander (calf) and Chris McCann (knee) are hoping to be fit for this match after being forced off against Bolton.
David Nugent was back with Portsmouth on Friday and Burnley are hoping to agree another loan move for the striker.
As for Chelsea, Drogba and Kalou are back with Chelsea but Ancelotti confirmed they will not be fielded until Tuesdays clash with Hull. Mikel will not return in time even though Nigeria were beaten in the semi-finals last Tuesday.
Essien is still out with the knee injury he suffered with Ghana, while Branislav Ivanovic should remain in defence with both Jose Bosingwa (knee) and Juliano Belletti (calf)out injured.
Take Chelsea to win this match.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Chelsea to win 2-0
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Chelsea to win here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Chelsea and give the 1 3/4 ball here.
