BURNLEY striker Sam Vokes recalls last season's clash with Chelsea as one of his favourites in a Burnley shirt.

The Clarets stunned the then Premier League champions at Stamford Bridge on the opening day of the 2017-18 campaign, racing into a 3-0 lead and holding on to win 3-2.

That set the tone for a scintillating season at Turf Moor as Sean Dyche's side confounded the critics and finished seventh, earning a shot at the Europa League.

The continental journey may have ended before the group stages and the Clarets are now firmly focussed on ensuring Premier League survival as they prepare to welcome the unbeaten Blues to East Lancashire on Sunday.

Defeat to Manchester City last time out leaves Burnley 13th in the table and Vokes, who scored twice in that famous win at Chelsea last year and has three goals in four games for club and country, is seeking a repeat this time around.

“At half time, you’re 3-0 up at Stamford Bridge and you’re kind of pinching yourself,” the Welsh international said.

“In the second half it was a case of keeping the lead and we managed to win 3-2. It was a great afternoon, one of my favourites in a Burnley shirt, definitely.

“I feel good. As a striker you want to get on the scoresheet as early as possible into the season and for me breaking into the team and getting a couple of goals in the last few games has been great. I’ll be looking to build on it now.”

Vokes has started the last five Premier League games for the Clarets and believes the return of key men Steven Defour and Robbie Brady can help Burnley climb the table.

The latter is in contention for a place in the squad this weekend while Defour made his first top flight start for 10 months in the defeat to City last time out.

Defender Ben Gibson is another man closing in on full fitness having come through 90 minutes for the Clarets U23 side this week.

And Vokes knows how important the trio can be to Sean Dyche's side.

“It’s great to see Steve back,” added Vokes. “He’s been a huge player for us over the last few years and I think we’ve missed him.

“He had some hard luck with that injury and to see him back playing in the Premier League is definitely good news.

“Robbie has done well for us in the past, as well, and had that terrible injury last Christmas time.

“Seeing him back on the training pitch is brilliant and Gibbo as well. He came in the summer, played a couple of games, but due to injury had to miss a large chunk of the season so far.

“So, it'll be good to have him back and those two lads will just add to the competition in the squad at the minute.”

Vokes, speaking to the club's official website, added: “Injuries hit any squad, but to have key players like that out, and a new signing who wants to get started and get the ball rolling, is obviously hard.

“With a fully fit squad, the competition has never been higher.

“It’s a club on the rise and that brings its challenges for the players with competition for places.

“But that’s what you want as a squad, to have that competition and people fighting for spots.”