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Chelsea open their Premier League campaign against newly-promoted Burnley on Monday.
This season Chelsea are tipped by many to win the Premier League title for the first time since 2010. Boasting a handful of excellent summer signings and perhaps the best manager in the entire league, they're certainly a strong contender.
They shouldn't have a problem opening their campaign against newly-promoted Burnley on Monday, with Sean Dyche having probably the weakest squad in the entire league at his disposal. The Clarets are going to need all of their home advantage and more to get a result against the Blues.
Key player - Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Burnley will be most eager to keep Eden Hazard quiet, with the Belgian probably the best player in the entire league last season. Hazard's delicate close control and ingenious creative talents mean he'll always be able to find some space -- and usually make the most of it. With Hazard likely to drift in off the left flank, Burnley's right-sided defensive players will have to watch him very carefully indeed.
Key matchup - Chelsea vs. Burnley's deep defence
Unsurprisingly Burnley are a pretty direct, physical team, reliant on a lot of wing-play and direct passes. While that is an approach less likely to yield lots of goals than a more intricate one, it nevertheless will maximise their chances of picking up points in the Premier League.
That's because it allows them to sit deep and soak up pressure, denying their opponents space between the lines. Chelsea struggled against such disciplined defences last season, and it'll be interesting to see whether the addition of a midfield passer in Cesc Fàbregas will help them in this regard.
Burnley injuries and suspensions
Out: Sam Vokes (knee). In doubt: None.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Ramires (suspended). In doubt: Didier Drogba (ankle).
Burnley's only definite absentee is Sam Vokes, who is out with a knee injury. Summer arrival Lukas Jutkiewicz will likely fill in for him up top, alongside Danny Ings.
Chelsea will be without the suspended Ramires, while the returning Didier Drogba will have to wait to start his second spell at Stamford Bridge thanks to an ankle injury. Summer signings Filipe Luís, Cesc Fàbregas and Diego Costa should all start, though Thibaut Courtois is expected to be backup to Petr Čech in goal.
Match Date/Time: Monday, 8 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Turf Moor, Burnley, England
TV: NBCSN, Mun2 (U.S.), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), Deportes Telemundo En Vivo (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Go (U.K.)
