Premier League Betting: Chelsea v Burnley

Premier League / Richard Walker / 28 August 2009 / Leave a Comment

Michael Essien is expected to play on the right side of Chelsea's much-criticised midfield diamond formation.

Best Bets: Lay Chelsea HT Result @ [1.51]; Back Draw/Chelsea HT/FT @ [5.3]; Back Drogba First Goalscorer @ [4.0].

Burnley have already ruffled a few feathers this season but Chelsea boast three wins from three in the league and whatever the criticism of the diamond formation they play, they should make it four from four by Saturday afternoon, says Richard Walker.

Not since the days of Ralph Coates have Burnley enjoyed such esteemed days out. And a return to some proper stadia - without the wooden seats still in place at the cricket ground end of Turf Moore - in the Barclays Premier League at Stamford Bridge will be savoured by all with claret & blue blood.

They have had a fairy-tale start to the campaign and must have a quiet confidence that they can pull off a similar shock to what they did last year at the Bridge in the Carling Cup. Football seems to have a lot of principles in it and it will be interesting to see if, like Tony Mowbray did at West Brom last season, Owen Coyle will stick to his passing philosophy when the going gets tough,

As for Chelsea it's not been a close season of complete change but more of tinkering...and you all remember what happened to the last 'Tinkerman'.

Ancelotti's arrival has seen Chelsea revert to a diamond in midfield. For me the jury is still out on this formation as I believe Chelsea can be got at down either flanks leaving both full-backs exposed. His success with Milan was built on a solid defence and with John Terry finally deciding he prefers Rubles to Eastlands cash he has kept one of the best centre-backs and leaders in world football. I can see Chelsea winning a lot of games by the odd goal this year.

I can see Owen Coyle's boys going to the Bridge and playing with the type of freedom that two victories in three games affords you. The Match odds however sees them at a lengthy [26.0] - worth a thought at least. Chelsea can be backed at [1.16]: little value there let's be honest. However for those of you that feel Burnley may stifle Chelsea and play five across the middle of the park, the draw can be backed at a reasonable [9.4]. The question is can Burnley's back-line keep 'The Drog' and Anelka quiet for an entire 90 minutes?

As for the Half-Time/Full-Time market, Chelsea/Chelsea at [1.46] offers slightly better value than the Match Odds but I can see Burnley proving frustrating...well for at least 45 minutes anyway. Take Draw/Chelsea at [5.3].

Chelsea can be laid at [1.51] in the Half Time market and that's where I will playing strongest. If you fancy a real punt and can see Burnley nicking a goal and holding on until the break then back Burnley at [14.5] to do so.

Sky Sports screen games primarily because they believe that there is going to be a glut of goals and entertainment and I have a feeling that there may well be a few goals in this one. The Under/Over 2.5 goals market offers a skinny [1.56] for overs and [2.74] for unders.

Didier Drogba is at around [4.0] to be First Goalscorer and his strike partner Anelka is at [4.9]. Can Burnley's defence cope? Probably not.

On the Burnley side, Steven Fletcher is the shortest to back at around [17.0] but one player that might be worth a punt for the Clarets is Graham Alexander [26.0]. Now in the twighlight of his career, he still remains Burnley's chief free-kick and penalty taker.

Chelsea to win? Almost certainly. The real questions are by how many? And who will score them? Be prepared for an entertaining game with Ancelotti' old boys having taught Coyle's new kids a thing or two come full-time!