Chelsea v Swansea City – Match Preview & Predictions

Chelsea get back underway following the international break when they host Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. 

Date: Saturday, 13th September  Kick off: 15:00 GMT  Venue: Stamford Bridge  TV: MOTD (Highlights)

Something has got to give this Saturday as the only two Premier League teams with so far perfect records go head to head at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea sit just above Swansea City in the table thanks to goal difference, but both have 9 points and have enjoyed brilliant starts to the new campaign.

However, when Chelsea host the Welsh side on Saturday afternoon, at least one team will have their clean slate tarnished one way or another.

While the two sides have very different aspirations this season, they have both made remarkable starts to the season which may make Swansea especially reconsider their season objectives.

Chelsea won away at Everton in a thrilling game prior to the international break while Swansea beat West Brom to accompany earlier victories against Burnley and Manchester United.

Everton v Chelsea - Premier League

In the corresponding fixture last season, Chelsea won 1-0 in the Boxing Day fixture thanks to an Eden Hazard goal.

Chelsea won by the same scoreline when they traveled to the Liberty to face Swansea, as Demba Ba got on the score sheet at the back end of last season.

Chelsea will be hoping for a slightly more convincing victory this time around, but know that Garry Monk’s side will be no pushovers and perhaps their hardest test so far.

Both teams did clever business in the window. While Chelsea’s acquisitions have been discussed enough, Swansea quietly did well to secure Gylfi Sigurdsson who has been key in their impressive start to the campaign.

There were a couple of injury concerns for Chelsea over the international break, most notably Diego Costa who withdrew from international duty after injuring his hamstring.

However, both he and Eden Hazard are expected to be passed fit to start. If not, Stamford Bridge may get a first look at their most recent arrival in Loic Remy, who will provide cover for Costa.

Courtois can expect to retain his place in goal, especially after signing a new contract on Thursday. The defence looks set to remain the same aswell, meaning Filipe Luis will have to wait for his full debut.

Finally, Cesc Fabregas has reacquainted himself with English football like a dream and will surely start for the Blues yet again.

Looking at Swansea, Garry Monk may give Bafetimbi Gomis a chance in attack after Wilfried Bony has spent much of the last week or so travelling.

Swansea will provide not only a tough defence to break down but also a incredibly dangerous counter attack, which will be useful if they find themselves under mounting pressure in the game.

However, Chelsea fans travelling to the Bridge will be hoping to leave knowing they have yet another three points in the bag and still maintain their 100% league record.

Chelsea v Swansea: Pre match Facts:

  • Loic Remy has been involved in 23 goals in 42 matches in the Premier League
  • Diego Costa has scored 4 goals from just 6 shots on target in the PL this season so far
  • Swansea have not beaten Chelsea in the league since 1981
  • Chelsea have 11 wins in 26 matches against Swansea, 6 losses and 9 draws

Chelsea v Swansea City: Predicted lineup

Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Ramires; Hazard, Fabregas, Schurrle; Costa

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Swansea City

Tags Premier League
Chelsea News