LEON Cort makes his debut in the heart of the defence alongside Clarke Carlisle, who skippers the Clarets tonight in their first home game of the new decade.

Christian Kalvenes and Kevin McDonald are again in the side, with Robbie Blake recalled to the starting line up for the first time in six Premier League games.

Left back Danny Fox, who signed yesterday from Celtic, is unavailable as a result of his wait for international clearance, while on-loan Monaco striker Frederic Nimani is amongst the substitutes.

Chelsea’s under-fire skipper John Terry captains the visitors but there is no return for Didier Drogba, who is recovering from an injury picked up on international duty.

Michael Essien also misses out meaning that Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard continue in the engine room.

BURNLEY: Jensen, Mears, Cort, Carlisle, Kalvenes, Blake, Bikey, McDonald, Elliott, Eagles, Fletcher.

CHELSEA: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Ballack, Lampard, Zhirkov, Malouda, Anelka