Premier League: Crucial ties in store for Chelsea, Southampton
Fifth placed Chelsea will be travelling to high-flying Burnley in a crucial mid-week encounter in the Premier League. Relegation threatened Southampton travel to London when they face Leicester City. Both matches have utmost significance in terms of stature and positions. The weekend victory for Chelsea will give them belief especially against a stern Burnley defense. Here is our match preview.
Chelsea will be wary of the opening day defeat against Burnley. Eden Hazard and Willian are in top form but Burnley's defense will be confident in thwarting them off. The Clarets have won five successive matches and are closing in on Arsenal at 6th. An European berth is what they want. Chelsea, meanwhile, know a loss would be catastrophic for a top four finish.
Burnley have the third meanest defense in terms of allowing goals (29) in the Premier League this season. Burnley will be targeting a rare league double over Chelsea since 1968-69. Chelsea can take heart from the fact they have scored in all seven meetings against Burnley. Burnley can go ahead of Arsenal (6th) if they beat Chelsea. Chelsea are eight points behind Spurs (4th).
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is still vying for a Champions League berth and has stated beating Burnley will be difficult. Sean Dyche says despite the excitement of Europa League prospects, the focus is solely on the tie against Chelsea.
It will not be easy for Saints to come out victorious against the Foxes, but they do not have an option. With five matches left in their kitty, Southampton need a victory at any cost. The weekend 2-3 loss to Chelsea must have hurt them badly. Leicester are eighth and will be looking to move on from the weekend defeat at Burnley.
Jamie Vardy has scored 17 Premier League goals this season. The England striker has scored in eight of his last 10 EPL appearances. Southampton have lost four successive matches and haven't clinched a single win in last 7 encounters. The Saints are five points behind Swansea City (17th). Leicester had won the earlier fixture 4-1 versus Southampton.
Foxes boss Claude Puel meets his old side and isn't concerned about them, but wants a top-half finish rather. Saints manager Mark Hughes believes his side needs both performance and points. He added that side is showing a determination to stay in the Premier League.
