Chelsea v Burnley: five key battles

Chelsea face Burnley today aiming to make it three wins out of three in the Premier League. Here’s the five key tussles we think might be important at Stamford Bridge.

John Terry v Andre Gray

Potentially the most fascinating match-up of the lot. Former Brentford striker Gray, this week charged by the FA over historic tweets, undoubtedly has the pace to worry Terry – but the Blues skipper will use his experience to try and keep the ex-non-League player in his place.

N’Golo Kante v Steven Defour

Burnley’s capture of Anderlecht and Belgium midfielder Defour – a Champions League player while at Porto – is quite a coup, as shown by his impressive debut during the win over Liverpool last weekend. Kante will aim to provide a better defensive screen than Jordan Henderson managed.

Cesar Azpilicueta v George Boyd

Boyd was among Burnley’s star performers against Liverpool, showing terrific workrate down the right-hand side and offering a threat which Azpilicueta will have to nullify. The Spanish full-back will certainly have plenty on his plate.

Eden Hazard v Matt Lowton

Hazard was brilliant against West Ham, but frustrated with a lack of end product at Watford – which version of the Belgian will Burnley have to cope with? Lowton’s last visit to Stamford Bridge, and his last meeting with Hazard, was three years ago, when his Aston Villa side were beaten 2-1.

Diego Costa v Ben Mee

Costa’s late winners against West Ham and Watford have got Antonio Conte’s side off to a great start, but he has also been fortunate to avoid getting second yellow cards in both games. Burnley centre-back Mee, part of a back four which kept a clean sheet against Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge, will be in his ear from kick-off.