Transfer: Nigeria’s most expensive wing-back sends strong message to Chelsea

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Transfer: Nigeria’s most expensive wing-back sends strong message to Chelsea

 

Ola Aina has sent a heartfelt message to Chelsea after completing his move to Serie A side, Torino.

The 22-year-old wing-back was signed permanently for a fee of €10million after impressing on loan during the 2018-19 season making him Nigeria’s most expensive wing-back.

Aina joined Chelsea Academy at 10 and won the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League with the side.

He made his senior debut for the Blues in August 2016 under Antonio Conte but was limited to three Premier League appearances.

After ending his Stamford Bridge stay, Aina has taken to social media to appreciate the support of the club as well as his former coaches during his time with the side.

“The start of a new chapter. Words cannot express how I feel, joining the club as a 10-year-old it was the best thing that happened to me, combined with playing football for the team which I support, it was just amazing.

“Now I’m 22, I look back on all the great times I’ve had from training, going on tours every year and spending time with some amazing players I looked up to most of my life.

“I’ve also had the pleasure of playing and training with some great players in the first team, but most importantly the players that I can call bros from the academy over the years. My best highlights will always be the memories of growing up and becoming a man whilst also improving my craft with these players.

“I want to say a big thank you to all the coaches, medical staff and more, that I’ve had throughout my years at Chelsea. I am very grateful for constantly helping me out and taking an interest in me.

“I would like to thank my first coach Joe Edwards for everything he’s helped me with over the years also; Micky Beale, Ciril (got me using my left foot), Adi Vivash (our father figure) Andy Myers, Jody Morris Dermot Drummy and Antonio Conte (for all my appearances for Chelsea).

“Lastly, a big thank you to Eddie Newton and the loan staff. 12 years have gone so quick and I’m forever grateful to Chelsea FC – (my boyhood club) this place will forever be in my heart.

“Until next time I wish this club all the success in the future, love you guys at Chelsea,” Aina posted on Instagram.

 

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Lampard to become Chelsea’s new manager

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Lampard to become Chelsea’s new manager

 

Former Chelsea midfielder, Frank Lampard, is set for a return to the club as manager, according to Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol.

According to Solhekol, Maurizio Sarri’s exit will be announced within 24 hours.

His departure will see Lampard appointed as the Blues’ first English manager in 23 years.

“Chelsea have agreed deal with Juventus for Maurizio Sarri. They’ll receive more than £5m compensation. Deal will be announced in next 24 hours.

“Expect Frank Lampard to become Chelsea’s first English manager in 23 years,” Solhekol tweeted.

Lampard’s only managerial experience, has been with Derby County, where he has worked for the past one year in the English Championship.

 

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Transfer: Klopp ready to sell Salah

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Transfer: Klopp ready to sell Salah

 

Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp, would be willing to sacrifice Mohamed Salah, if it meant landing Lille forward, Nicolas Pepe, according to le10sport.

Pepe has been subject of one bid from Liverpool already, but the Ligue 1 outfit do not deem it enough.

It is believed that Lille have received two other offers for the Ivorian forward.

However, Klopp wants the player and due to an increasingly complicated relationship with Salah, would be willing to see the Egyptian sold if it allows the Reds to land Pepe.

Both men reportedly clashed last season, while Liverpool was trying to win both the Premier League and Champions League.

The Reds eventually won the latter, defeating Tottenham 2-0 in the final.

 

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EPL: Manchester United reveals final decision on Nigerian defender

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EPL: Manchester United reveals final decision on Nigerian defender

 

Manchester United have revealed their final decision on American-born Nigerian defender Matthew Olosunde.

The club stated that the player will be departing once his contract expires on June 30, 2019.

The club confirmed this through a statement on their official website.

Olosunde who is eligible to play for Nigeria, joined Manchester United from New York Red Bulls in March 2016.

The player started with the U18 team at Old Trafford before he was promoted to the U23 squad in the 2016-2017 campaign and went on to make 33 appearances across three seasons in the Premier League 2.

He, however, struggled with injuries in his final season at the club.

Olosunde began his career at Princeton Football Club, where he spent seven years before shifting to NYRB.

The club’s statement reads, “At this time of year, players’ contracts are set to expire at all levels within Manchester United as the squads start to take shape in advance of the upcoming 2019/20 season.

“While some will inevitably move on, the Under-23s welcome the older members of the Academy group, who step up to Premier League 2 football. An intake of first-year scholars then replaces them in the Under-18s. Of course, all players named on the actual retained list published by the Premier League remain under contract to the club.

“In terms of the first team, it has already been confirmed that Ander Herrera and Antonio Valencia are leaving United after distinguished service in the red shirt. Juan Mata, meanwhile, has been offered a new contract.

“At Under-23s level, the club has taken up the option to extend midfielder Aidan Barlow’s deal. Fresh terms have also been offered to keepers Alex Fojticekand Paul Woolston, plus Italian defender Luca Ercolani.

“Several players who spent time away from the club on loan last term will be seeking deals with new teams as they continue their careers elsewhere.

“Regan Poole helped Newport County reach the League Two play-off final, while Zak Dearnley (Oldham Athletic), Tom Sang(AFC Fylde), Callum Whelan (Port Vale), Matty Willock (Crawley Town) and James Wilson (Aberdeen) also had loans away from Old Trafford.

“Of course, both defender Poole and striker Wilson have represented the United first team.

“Matthew Olosunde, Tyrell Warren, DJ Buffonge, Callum Gribbin, Millen Baars and Josh Bohui have also been released, as has Under-18s goalkeeper James Thompson.

“We would like to wish all the players leaving the club the very best of luck for the future.”

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Transfer: Manchester United identify Lukaku’s replacement

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Transfer: Manchester United identify Lukaku’s replacement

 

Manchester United are weighing up a move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker, Sebastien Haller, should Romelu Lukaku leave the club this summer, ESPN reports.

Lukaku is a transfer target for Inter Milan and their new manager Antonio Conte, but United will only sell if the Italian side meet their £80million asking price.

If the Belgian eventually leaves, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will move for a new striker and has identified Haller as a potential option.

The 24-year-old has been superb upfront for Frankfurt alongside the now departed Luka Jovic, who joined Real Madrid this week.

Haller scored 20 goals last season and chipped in with a further 12 assists.

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Why Hazard ‘deserves’ move to Real Madrid – Petit

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Why Hazard ‘deserves’ move to Real Madrid – Petit

 

Former Arsenal star, Emmanuel Petit, has revealed why Chelsea ace, Eden Hazard should make a move to Real Madrid.

Petit said that the Belgium international deserves a move to Santiago Bernabeu because for the last six years he has been marvellous for Chelsea.

According to him, the forward has been one of his best so far this season, even if he wasn’t named in the Premier League team of the year.

Hazard is expected to leave Stamford Bridge for Madrid this summer but Petit is insisting that his departure is going to leave the Blues struggling to cope without him.

“It would be a big, big loss for Chelsea if Eden Hazard left the club,” Petit told Paddy Power ahead of Chelsea’s Europa League final against Arsenal.

“For the last six years he has been marvellous for them – and this season has been one of his best so far, even if he wasn’t named in the Premier League team of the year.

“Chelsea have so many quality players, but none at Hazard’s level. He can do whatever he wants on the pitch and is capable of making decisions with the ball at his feet.

“Hazard going to Real Madrid would be a huge step for him – and he deserves it.

“But with the added complication of a transfer ban, if he goes then you look at Chelsea and wonder who is going to make the team alive on the pitch. Who is going to come up with the key dribbles, the key passes?

“Chelsea don’t have anyone else like Hazard. And because of the transfer ban, they don’t have the power to replace him. I don’t see how they can cope next year without him.”

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EPL: Man United to triple Rashford’s salary next season to keep him off the market

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EPL: Man United to triple Rashford’s salary next season to keep him off the market

 

Manchester United are willing to triple striker, Marcus Rashford’s £75,000-per-week salary next season.

Daily Star reports that the Red Devils are determined to treble the England international’s wages in a bid to keep him out of the grasps of Spanish La Liga giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer’s transfer window.

Rashford has been heavily linked with a move to both Barcelona or Real Madrid after Man United failed to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

The report also claimed that Rashford over the weekend stalled talks over a new contract with the club’s board as he has doubts over the direction the club is heading under manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Solskjaer’s side finished in sixth position on the Premier League table with 66 points from 38 matches this season.

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EPL: De Bruyne reveals how he felt after Manchester City won title ahead of Liverpool

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EPL: De Bruyne reveals how he felt after Manchester City won title ahead of Liverpool

 

Manchester City playmaker, Kevin De Bruyne, has said he has no sympathy for Liverpool, after they pipped them to the Premier League title by just a point, because they were the better team in the end.

Liverpool lost just one match all season to finish on 97 points, the highest total ever by a runner-up.

It was a number that would have been enough to win the title in all-but three Premier League seasons.

“It’s a remarkable effort [from Liverpool], but it means that we were just better than them in the end.

“I don’t feel sorry for them, because I don’t think they’d feel sorry for us.

“I don’t think anybody felt sorry about the way we went out of the Champions League. You take it. I know how they feel, because you’re going to feel disappointed. We’d feel the same if it happened to us. But we’re still competitors. We want to win as much as they do, but I can understand the feelings they have.

“It’s the general view of athletes. You feel compassionate with other teams, but in the end the most important thing is, if you play an individual sport, it’s yourself, and when it’s your team, it’s your team. It’s been a great battle. But to feel ‘sorry’ for them is maybe going a little too far,” De Bruyne told reporters ahead of their FA Cup final against Watford.

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EPL: Chelsea finally decides on the future of Gonzalo Higuain in the club

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EPL: Chelsea finally decides on the future of Gonzalo Higuain in the club

 

Chelsea have finally decided not to extend the contract of on-loan striker, Gonzalo Higuain, during this summer’s transfer window.

Higuain joined Chelsea on loan from Juventus in January. His contract at Stamford Bridge is due to expire this summer.

Chelsea have the option of extending Higuain’s loan deal by a further season for £15.7million, or sign the striker for £31.6 million.

However, Daily Mail is now reporting that the West London club will not take either option.

The report claimed that the 31-year-old will return to Juventus after Chelsea’s UEFA Europa League final against Arsenal on May 29 in Baku.

Higuain has scored just four goals in 12 starts and two substitute appearances for Maurizio Sarri’s side this season.

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EPL: Vincent Kompany reveals who will succeed him as Man City’s captain

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EPL: Vincent Kompany reveals who will succeed him as  Man City’s captain

 

Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany has backed midfielder, Bernardo Silva, to become the club’s next captain.

The 33-year-old, who is in the later stage of his career at Etihad, believes the Portuguese international is the right player to succeed him at the club, adding that the 24-year-old is strong and honest.

Speaking on who should succeed him as Man City’s captain, Kompany told Breaking Sport TV: “Bernardo Silva. I say to him often you are 50% clown, 50% leader.

“When he becomes 25% clown, 75% leader he will become the captain of this team.

“He is so strong and to be honest there is nobody who deserves this title more.”

Kompany is expected to hold talks with the club on his future after their FA Cup final against Watford on Saturday.

The Belgian has won four English Premier League titles as captain.

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Transfer: How fans reacted to the news of buying Coutinho back to Liverpool

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Transfer: How fans reacted to the news of buying Coutinho back to Liverpool

 

Liverpool fans are not happy with club legend, Phil Thompson, after he suggested Jurgen Klopp should make a move for their former midfielder, Philippe Coutinho.

Some of the Reds fans spoke with Daily Express.

Thompson had earlier suggested that the Brazilian, who left Liverpool for Barcelona in 2017, should be bought back to the club by Klopp.

The forward has not, however, found life easy at the Camp Nou.

Asked his opinion on Thompson’s claim, one of the fans responded: “He faked a back injury to punish Liverpool for not letting him go, so absolutely not.”

Another added: “No sorry. He burned all bridges, I’m afraid. And with no stats to back me up, I’m gonna say we’re a better team without him.”

While a third wrote: “No, no, no, a million times, no.”

 

And a fellow Reds fan posted: “I feel for him…but our fans don’t want him back.”

Another said, ““Why should we buy a player who is shit for Barcelona. Might as well sack Klopp and appoint Pardew while were at it.”

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EPL: What I discovered during my time in charge of Man Utd - Solskjaer reveals

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EPL: What I discovered during my time in charge of Man Utd - Solskjaer reveals

 

Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has admitted that his time in charge of the club, has proven to him that he hates losing.

The Norwegian replaced Jose Mourinho as United manager in December and shone as caretaker boss, only to struggle as permanent boss.

And a miserable Premier League season came to an end on Sunday, as relegated Cardiff won 2-0 at Old Trafford.

Solskjaer is positive he can kick on next season, after an underwhelming campaign.

“I’ve learned that I don’t like losing. I like winning. We started off fantastically.

“The boys were unbelievable when I came in. We were positive. We won games. The whole group gelled together and I enjoyed winning but I know that football is hard.

“You can’t just expect everything to go that way and the reality hit us. We are in a league with loads of very good teams and, to be at our top (level), we need to be 100 per cent focused.

“We came into some games really, really focused with the full team and I thought that was fantastic.

“Then you learn a lot when you go through tough times and think about ‘who can we build this team around?’ and who we think is going to take the next step because we need to go to the next level,” Solskjaer told MUTV.

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EPL: I will sell half of Manchester United team - Solskjaer threatens

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EPL: I will sell half of Manchester United team - Solskjaer threatens

 

Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, was so furious with his players after the Cardiff defeat, that he threatened to sell half the squad, the UK Sun reports.

United were left humiliated after a 2-0 defeat by Neil Warnock’s side at Old Trafford, in their final Premier League fixture of the season.

Solskjaer also cancelled the club’s end of season debrief on Monday, after calling his players a “disgrace”.

 

The 46-year-old has been left angry, at the attitude of some of his players after a terrible end to the season.

United finished the season in 6th place in the Premier League to qualify for the Europa League.

Plans for next season may also need to be altered, should Watford find a way to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

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Guardiola emerges EPL Manager of the Year ahead of Klopp

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Guardiola emerges EPL Manager of the Year ahead of Klopp

 

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has been named League Managers Association (LMA) Premier League Manager of the Season, ahead of Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino and Wolves’ Nuno Espirito Santo.

The 48-year-old has picked up the award for the second year in a row, after he oversaw City’s successful title tilt against Liverpool.

Guardiola’s men amassed 98 points, the second-highest in Premier League, a total only beaten by City themselves the previous year.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss, is just the third Premier League manager to retain the title after Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho.

“It’s an honour to receive this award.

“I want to share it with my players because they are the artists of everything, to my staff because we fought a lot [against] all the managers in the Premier League, especially Jurgen Klopp, an incredible contender to face till the end.

“It was a pleasure to play against all of them and hopefully do big, big battles again to win an incredible title,” Guardiola said in a pre-recorded video shown at the LMA dinner on Tuesday.

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Guardiola vs Klopp: Klopp is a better manager - Del Piero

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Guardiola vs Klopp: Klopp is a better manager - Del Piero

 

Juventus legend, Alessandro Del Piero, has claimed that Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp is a better manager than Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola.

Del Piero believes Klopp is more a coach of the future than Guardiola.

According to him, Klopp’s attitude towards the media in more or less difficult situations proves he is a better manager.

Asked to pick between Klopp and Guardiola who is better, Del Piero told Sky Sport Italia: “Klopp or Guardiola? Let’s take both of them to Italy. Guardiola has taught many, he has inspired so many players.

“We are talking about two managers with different personalities, let’s say Klopp is more a coach of the future.

“His attitude towards the media in more or less difficult situations proves it. I remember how he faced the post-Champions final. Usually one is always quite angry after losing a final, but he dealt with it all everything differently.

“I must say that this attitude has given a different freshness and his team proves it. They have energy and enthusiasm. With all due respect to Liverpool, there are not only big stars, we can certainly say that Klopp has improved many of them”.

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EPL: Klopp speaks on Man City’s title win, reveals what Liverpool must do next season

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EPL: Klopp speaks on Man City’s title win, reveals what Liverpool must do next season

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp has revealed that his side must need to be very close to perfection to win the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City next season.

Klopp stated this while congratulating Pep Guardiola’s side for winning their second successive English top-flight league title on Sunday.

Klopp’s side finished runners-up to Guardiola’s men with a point separating the two teams, but Klopp believes the Reds must be near perfect to beat Man City next term.

Speaking to reporters after Liverpool defeated Wolves 2-0 on Sunday, Klopp was quoted by Mirror UK as saying: “First of all I have to say congratulations to City. “They played an incredible season, we did too.

“As long as City are around with the quality they have, the financial power and all that stuff, it’s not like any other team will pass them easily.

“That’s clear. So we need to be very, very close to perfection to win the Premier League.

“But we have made unbelievably big steps and I really expect there’s more to come.”

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EPL: Luis Enrique May Take Over From Wenger As Arsenal Boss

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EPL: Luis Enrique May Take Over From Wenger As Arsenal Boss

Arsenal negotiator, Raul Sanllehi has held, advanced discussions with former Barcelona manager, Luis Enrique over the last few days.

L’Equipe reports that the Spaniard is interested in replacing 68-year-old manager because he appreciates the club’s philosophy and respects the values of the club.

If talks with Enrique fails to progress any further, the Gunners will approach their three alternative targets – Carlo Ancelotti, Patrick Vieira and Leonardo Jardim, the newspaper reports.

Reports in Spain earlier this week claimed that Enrique will look to bring veteran midfielder, Andres Iniesta with him to the Emirates if he is appointed Arsenal manager.

Wenger had earlier admitted that the timing of his decision to step down as Arsenal manager was forced upon him.

He said, “The timing was not really my decision. I do my job, keep my routine and focus on what I have to do every day. I prepare well for the game. I think it will be surreal for me when I don’t work. At the moment I work like ever.

“You’re never sure you do the right thing, but life is interesting because you have to deal with different kinds of situations. Until now, I had a life that was full of different experiences.

“Some were very difficult to deal with, but I always did it. That’s another one certainly I will face one day.”

                                                  

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EPL: Mourinho Reacts To Man United 2-0 Win Against Bournemouth, Pogba

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EPL: Mourinho Reacts To Man United 2-0 Win Against Bournemouth, Pogba

Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, has praised his players after their 2-0 win over Bournemouth on Wednesday night.

Chris Smalling opened scoring in the first half, before United held off the hosts’ resistance and Lukaku added the second with 20 minutes left.

“The players were good. I think good team performance, professional, controlled, good effort, desire to play, to score, desire to cope with the defensive responsibilities.

“Everything was different, it was faster, simple. I’m happy the result was also good, the players can have that positive feeling. Every player on the pitch was positive,” Mourinho said after the game.

The Portuguese also praised midfielder Paul Pogba, who put in a very impressive performance on the night and laid on the assist for Lukaku.

“I’m not very good on man of the match. Especially because i’m a team manager, but he played very well.

“Against City he was phenomenal but today he was very very good, so good choice,” Mourinho added.

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EPL: Martial Most Likely To Move To Arsenal

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EPL: Martial Most Likely To Move To Arsenal

Arsenal have emerged as favourite to lure Anthony Martial from Manchester United, according to reports in his native France.

Le 10 Sport claims the 22-year-old is keen to leave Old Trafford and wishes to stay in the Premier League to prove a point to Jose Mourinho.

Martial would be available for around £60million should United chiefs allow him to leave, after his playing time reduced since the arrival of Alexis Sanchez in January.

The Frenchman is also believed to be keeping an eye on other Premier League options and sees Gunners rivals Spurs and Chelsea as potential destinations.

Martial’s current deal expires in the summer of 2019, but the club retain the option of a one-year extension.

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EPL: Burnley Vs Chelsea Match Details

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EPL: Burnley Vs Chelsea Match Details

Antonio Conte’s Chelsea will on Thursday night clash with Burnley in an away Premier League match at Turf Moore.

Conte’s men heads into the clash after coming from 2-0 down to beat Southampton 3-2 on Saturday in the Premier League.

The Blues are currently occupying the fifth position of the Premier League table with 60 points from 33 games.

Apart from midfielder, Danny Drinkwater, defender, David Luiz and Ethan Ampadu, who are to remain sidelined due to injury, Conte has no new injury or suspension concerns ahead of the game at Burnley.

Meanwhile, Sean Dyche’s Burnley heads into the clash on form after beating Leicester City 2-1 on Saturday in the Premier League.

Dyche’s men have won their last five games in a row and are currently occupying the seventh position of the Premier League table with 54 points from 33 games.

Burnley are on course to qualify for next season Europa League if they eventually finish the Premier League season on seventh position or win the FA Cup.

Dyche has no new injury or suspension concerns ahead of this clash.

The Clarets still have a number of injured players on the sidelines but with their recent form Dyche is unlikely to make any major changes.

Burnley potential starting XI: Pope, Lowton, Long, Tarkowski, Ward, Lennon, Cork, Westwood, Berg Gudmundsson, Vokes, Wood

Chelsea potential starting XI: Courtois; Cahill, Christensen, Rudiger; Moses, Fabregas, Kante, Azpilicueta; Willian, Hazard, Giroud

The kick off time for the match is 7:45pm

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