Chelsea play host to Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon looking to strengthen their hold of fourth place in the standings, reports agencies. Meanwhile, Burnley make the trip to Stamford Bridge having suffered three successive defeats, a run which has left them just four points above the relegation zone.
While there remains positive conjecture about the performances of their youthful attack, none of them can say with any justification that they are producing the consistency required to move Chelsea closer to the top three. At a time when there is constant speculation regarding potential incomings and outgoings to strengthen their bid for a Champions League place next season, responsibility right now falls on the shoulders on the players who are being handed extended runs in the team in a bid to regain their form from September and October.
After the visit to England's capital, they go up against Leicester City and Man United before hosting Norwich City in what could turn out to be a pivotal contest at the bottom of the table. Prevailing just once from their next three outings will be enough to ease any concerns regarding a return to the Championship, but Dyche will also have the long-term development of his team in mind during the second half of the season.
The narrative has been set that Burnley continue to punch above their weight each time that they remain in the Premier League, similar to Bournemouth who have also seen their results drop off in recent weeks. However, rather than persist with an underdog tag, the onus is on Dyche and his players to prove their worth at a time when the option is there to make significant changes in personnel.
While Dyche will most likely show faith in his current group of players, Burnley have lost nine of their last 13 Premier League fixtures, form which cannot continue if they wish to extend their stay in the top flight. With Callum Hudson-Odoi having impressed against Forest, Lampard may opt to keep Christian Pulisic among the replacements.
