Burnley vs Chelsea Preview: Sarri eyes club record at Turf Moor

Maurizio Sarri will become the first Chelsea manager to go unbeaten in his first ten league games in charge if his side avoid an upset against Burnley on Sunday afternoon.

Sarri's tenure has started impressively, with Chelsea third and just two points off leaders Manchester City after winning six and drawing three of their first nine league games.

A late Ross Barkley strike rescued a point for the Blues against Manchester United last time out, but they will be confident of picking up three points against a Burnley team who were thrashed 5-0 by City in their previous match.

The Clarets, though, do have a habit of making life difficult for the Londoners. Chelsea battled to a 2-1 win on their last visit to Turf Moor in April, avenging a shock 3-2 defeat at the hands of Sean Dyche's men on the opening day of the campaign.

Back in February 2017, Burnley earned a fantastic point against the then champions elect.

Sunday's hosts, currently placed 13th, will be keen to put clear daylight between themselves and the bottom three.

Team news:

Robbie Brady has yet to feature this season but is back in contention for this one, Dyche has revealed.

Aaron Lennon is a doubt after picking up an illness, while Ben Gibson is still on the road to recovery and will play in a behind-closed-doors friendly this week.

Stephen Ward and Nick Pope remain sidelined.

The overriding concern on the Chelsea side is the fitness of Eden Hazard, who missed Thursday's 3-1 Europa League win against BATE with a back problem.

The league's top scorer has been working with the club's medical staff to ensure a swift return to fitness.

Sarri predictably rested a number of key players, including Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso, Jorginho and N'Golo Kante, against the Belarusian outfit.