Chelsea Football Club's hopes of finishing among the top four clubs were revived on Tuesday when Tottenham Hotspur drew 1-1 with Brighton & Hove Albion, to reduce the gap between them to just 8 points with five matches to play.
Chelsea famously known as the Blues will travel to Burnley's Turf Moor Stadium for a tricky midweek fixture tonight at 9:45 pm local time.
Burnley is having their best season in the top flight, currently positioned seventh with 44 points. Chelsea, on the other hand, is at position five with 60 points.
The Blues are not in a good form currently having lost three of their last six matches, drew one and won two. Burnley commonly known as The Clarets are in top form having an unbeaten record in their last six matches.
The two teams have met eight times in the past, with Chelsea winning four, drawing twice, and losing twice.
Speaking ahead of the match, Chelsea's Antonio Conte noted that for them to qualify for the Champions League, they have to work hard and hit their target.
"If we want to be realistic with five games to go, it's not simple to reduce the gap, but we must have the will to fight, the desire to take this target. We have an important game against Burnley, a really strong team having a fantastic season, and it won't be easy to get three points," Conte was quoted by BBC.
Burnley's coach Sean Dyche, on his part, noted that the fans were eager to see their team participate in the Europa League.
"The fans are beginning to think about it [Europa League]. Mainly, the focus here stays on the next game. We've got Chelsea next and they're certainly a fine side. We'll see where it takes us, but it's very pleasing to be in this position at this stage of the season," Dyche was quoted by BBC.
Conte is expected to make changes in his team in preparation for the FA Cup Semi-final cup tie against Southampton over the weekend.
Here are the possible lineups; Burnley: GK; Pope, Defenders; Lowton, Long, Tarkowski, Ward. Midfielders; Lennon, Cork, Westwood, Gudmundsson. Strikers; Barnes and Wood.
Chelsea: GK; Courtouis. Defenders; Azpilcueta, Christensen, Cahill. Midfielders; Moses, Kante, Bakayoko, Emerson. Forwards; Willian, Pedro, Giroud.
With Hazard likely to be rested, William will be the man to watch for the Chelsea side with in-form striker Wood being the player to watch on the Burnley side.
Some of the important facts to note ahead are; Chelse has scored in all matches against Burnley. Secondly, the away side has only managed two wins in ten league matches this season against other teams currently in the top seven. The Clarets won the first leg at Stamford Bridge.
It is highly likely that Chelsea may bag the three points, but Burnley should not be underestimated owing to their good form and sharp tactician.