IT COULD BE A SPECTACLE

Posted on: Fri 28 Aug 2009

A Burnley side that has already made an impact on the top flight will not be coming to Stamford Bridge on a damage limitation exercise according to Carlo Ancelotti.

Wins against big name teams by the new boys has been one of the big stories of the campaign so far and having studied the Clarets games against Manchester United and Everton, the Chelsea manager has identified a style of play.

'They like to play football and tomorrow will be a very good match, a spectacular match, and I don't think that they come to Stamford Bridge only to defend. I am impressed with this team and the quality of their play.'

The victories were both by a single goal at Turf Moor; Owen Coyle's side having lost their one away league fixture 2-0 at Stoke.

'I think that with Burnley it is important to take control of the game,' reckons Ancelotti.

'They have good quality for attacking. They can use the wing, they can use the long ball, they can use the quality of their midfielders. It will be an open game.'

Ancelotti welcomes Juliano Belletti back into his squad for the lunchtime kick-off, the Brazilian having recovered from an Achilles problem, but the game comes too early for Joe Cole and Yury Zhirkov, both on the way back from knee problems.

'Joe Cole started to train with us on Tuesday and we have to stay calm because he is coming out of a not easy injury,' says the manager.

'We have to work with him and put him in the squad at the right time. Now is not the right time to do this. After the international games we can be more precise, but I think he is very close to returning to play.

'Tomorrow Zhirkov is not ready to play but he is a little bit better. He will go with the [Russian] national team and he may be possible to play with national team. He is very close.'

Alex (groin) and Paulo Ferreira (knee) remain unavailable.

Burnley will be without defenders Richard Eckersley (suspended) and (Steven Caldwell (groin) but could welcome back Michael Duff to their rearguard after an ankle problem.

Hospitality packages and seat-only tickets in hospitality areas are available for the match against Burnley. Prices start from £150 + VAT per person for hospitality packages and £65 for seat-only tickets.