View From T'Other Side!-Chelsea's Merlin

The two editors of Vital Burnley and Vital Chelsea have got together and exchanged questions about our first clash together in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge this Saturday.

Here are the responses from Vital Chelsea editor, Merlin who provides his views on both team's chances ahead of the match.

1. What's your view of Burnley's style of play in the Premier League?

From what I`ve seen you`re a workmanlike side that likes to get forward but who have a defence that`s capable of being breached. I`m not a purist when it comes to styles I`ve always worked along the philosophy that if it works for you stick with it. I even had grudging respect for the 'old` Wimbledon style and their 'get into them' philosophy!

2. Do you think we can survive in the top flight this season?

Why not! It`s a daunting task but you`ve already got six points on the board with wins against two good sides, however, it`s vital that you pick up three points against those sides you`d expect to be in the dog-fight, those are the three points that matter.

3. What are the fans views of the new Chelsea manager and the diamond formation he seems to prefer?

Carlo Ancelotti comes with a proven pedigree, he`s been there, done it and has the t-shirt to prove it, although if I were perfectly honest I wouldn`t have argued if we`d kept Guus Hiddink. As for the diamond formation Ancelotti has already proven that it is flexible and we have the type of players that can adapt to it. How long it`ll take to be proficient at it though is the golden question.

4. What are your weaknesses? You must have some, surely? Titter!! What can we exploit?

Weaknesses! What are you suggesting my good man? Try crosses into the box; we tend to flap a bit if they`re put into the danger area. We tend to rely on Didier Drogba and Michael Ballack to bolster our defence when faced with corners and free kicks out wide but if you can get the ball in early……

5. Will you be treating us with caution in this game or is there a danger you will underestimate us?

I`d imagine that Ancelotti will insist the team underestimate nobody, as for caution, we`re at home so I`d hope we`d go for it. Plus, there`s the little matter fo that Carling Cup defeat to be avenged isn`t there!

6. Your score prediction

I`ll go for, as you`d probably expect, a Chelsea win. 3-1 anybody!

Many thanks to Merlin for taking time out to answer our questions and if you want to see what he asked me and how I responded, please nip over to Vital Chelsea and read this thread:

Chelsea - Getting Cosy With Burnley!

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