The race for the last two Champions League spots is intense, and Chelsea will know what they must do to claim one of those two berths. Chelsea would be headed to the Europa League if they season were to end today. The Blues are sitting in fifth, and they are level on points with Arsenal and one point behind Tottenham. They are just two points ahead of Manchester United, but they have played one more match than those three teams, so they don’t have as much of an opportunity to get points in the future. That’s why they need to ensure a victory over Burnley on Monday.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from Stamford Bridge in London, England at 3 p.m. ET on Monday, April 22, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on NBCSN.
EPL Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Chelsea -368
Burnley FC +977
Draw +459
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
Over the last two weeks, Burnley have pulled themselves completely out of the relegation zone. The Clarets had been in danger of finishing in the bottom three for much of the season, but three straight wins have likely saved them. They knocked off Wolves 2-0 two weeks ago, went into Bournemouth and beat the Cherries 3-1 last week, and blanked Cardiff City 2-0 this past weekend. The Clarets are playing very good football at the moment.
Chelsea had won three straight matches headed into last week’s tilt with Liverpool. The Blues knew that earning a win would be difficult, but they were the first team to knock off Manchester City this season, so they were confident. They were shut out once more in the loss, and their 57 goals are six fewer than the next lowest-scoring team in the Big Six.
The first match between these teams was a rout. Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, and the Blues went on to beat the Clarets 4-0 that day. Burnley have not forgotten that moment.
Key Injuries
Steven Defour has been ruled out for the remainder of the season for Burnley, and the Clarets will not have Peter Crouch for this match either as he is dealing with appendicitis. Aaron Lennon is trying to be ready for the last two games of the season, and Phillip Bardsley is considered probable to play.
Marco van Ginkel and Ethan Ampadu are long-term injuries for Chelsea. The club might not have Antonio Rudiger either, as he is undergoing testing in his knee.
Player to Watch
Eden Hazard has done it all for Chelsea this season. He was instrumental in their win over West Ham, notching both goals in the 2-0 victory, and he leads the team in goals and assists. His 16 goals are three behind Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero for the most in the league this season, while his 12 assists are tied for the league lead. He could have a big game.
Prop Bet – 1 Goal for Burnley +121
I’m calling my shot a little here. Chelsea have not been great in defense, and Burnley have taken some chances in order to get some results. The Clarets have scored at least one goal in six straight matches in league play, and someone will break through and convert a chance here.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
I am really tempted to go with Burnley considering their recent play. I think they will keep it close for a while, but in the end, Chelsea will be too much. Hazard can completely control this match like he did against West Ham, and I think that will lead to a Chelsea win.
English Premier League Odds: Chelsea 2, Burnley FC 1
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
