Joao Pedro is Chelsea’s top scorer in the Premier League this season after netting four goals in 11 appearances.
His last one came in Chelsea’s 3-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers after Estevao Willian did some terrific work down the right flank.
Should Estevao start against Burnley?
Thankfully for Enzo Maresca, Pedro did not have to do too much travelling over the international break.
The forward should not be too tired for Saturday’s trip to Burnley, but Maresca should still have one concern going into the game.
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Joao Pedro has no goals or wins against Burnley in the Premier League
Pedro has never actually scored a goal against Burnley in the Premier League. He has not beaten them either, so his record versus the Clarets is not great.
| Joao Pedro’s Premier League record vs Burnley | Total |
| Games | 4 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Draws | 3 |
| Losses | 1 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
Based on that, you would not blame Maresca for going with Liam Delap, who could probably do with a run of games.
The 22-year-old was out for two months after picking up a hamstring injury before receiving a one-match suspension for a red card.
Of course, with Cole Palmer still injured, there is a strong possibility that Maresca goes with Pedro in the No.10 position and Delap up front.
Palmer could now miss the Barcelona tie next Tuesday in a huge blow to Maresca.
Joao Pedro’s last encounter with Burnley
Pedro and Burnley last faced off in the 2023/24 season, with the Clarets and Brighton & Hove Albion playing out a 1-1 draw at Turf Moor.
Pedro, of course, failed to score that day, but he still provided a threat for the Seagulls. For example, the 24-year-old finished the game with a total of six shots to his name. He also managed to make two key passes.
| Joao Pedro’s stats vs Burnley | Total |
| Minutes | 89 |
| Key passes | 2 |
| Shots | 6 |
| Dribbles (successful) | 6 (2) |
| Ground duels (won) | 19 (11) |
| Aerial duels (won) | 3 (3) |
On Saturday, Pedro needs to be more clinical. If the Brazil international is, Chelsea should win the match and move up to second place in the Premier League table.
With Palmer unavailable, Pedro is the man Chelsea are looking to for goals at the moment.
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