In form Chelsea face tricky trip to Burnley
Despite all the insistence from Antonio Conte - and indeed the managers of rival teams - that the title race is not over, it would take a dramatic collapse for Chelsea to throw it all away now.
The Londoners have been nigh-on unstoppable since switching formation following back-to-back defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal in September, picking up 49 of the last 54 points on offer to turn what looked like being one of the most competitive Premier League seasons ever into a onehorse title race.
Every single member of the top eight has amassed more points this season than they had at the same stage of last term, but Chelsea have set a relentless pace that others have simply not been able to live with.
Last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Arsenal had an air of inevitability about it and further showcased the gulf between Conte’s side and the chasing pack as they comfortably swept aside one of their closest challengers, with goals from Marcos Alonso, Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas sealing another three points at Stamford Bridge.
That result made it five wins from the last six, and 18 from the last 21, in all competitions, and even accounting for Burnley’s impressive home record this season, Chelsea will be fully confident of tallying up yet another victory today.
Despite scoring fewer away goals than any of their top-six rivals, Chelsea boast the best record on the road this season and have also conceded the fewest goals, with six clean sheets coming on their travels.
Indeed, despite conceding one more goal than Tottenham overall this season, Conte’s side boast a league-high 13 clean sheets, while only Arsenal and Liverpool have scored more goals - perhaps the best example of how well-balanced the 3-4-3 system has made the team.
It is hard to see anyone stopping Chelsea from waltzing to the Premier League title at the moment, with their next six games coming against teams placed ninth or below before they face both Manchester clubs in April - a spell which looks like the last-chance saloon for the chasing pack should they still be within sight by then. TEAM NEWS Chelsea’s only injury concern heading to Turf Moor surrounds Hazard, who will undergo a late fitness test on a calf problem having returned to goalscoring form in spectacular fashion with his stunning solo effort against Arsenal last time out.
Should the Belgian be passed fit then it is likely to be an unchanged side for Conte, with Pedro once again expected to be selected ahead of Willian in the attacking trio.
Diego Costa will lead the line having scored 15 Premier League goals this season, while his first ever strike in the English top flight came against Burnley in August 2014.
Burnley, meanwhile, will be without the suspended Jeff Hendrick following his red card against Watford last weekend, while Steven Defour is also sidelined with a thigh injury.
Dean Marney is out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury, which could leave a gap for January arrival Robbie Brady to make his full debut for the club.