In a gameweek when their two nearest rivals fight it out for three points, Chelsea travel to Swansea hoping to set the tone for the title race early in the season.
The Swans have endured a tough start to life in the league this season, losing 2 of their 3 matches so far. Their primary target, as always, would be to avoid relegation and anything that they get from the ‘big boys’ will be an added bonus. Having said that though, the last time Chelsea visited Liberty Stadium, they returned empty handed. So there is always hope that home advantage can push them over the line.
The Blues, on the other hand, have had a fantastic start to the season. A 100% record, much-needed defensive reinforcements and a coach who is making all the right noises off the pitch. Granted those reinforcements weren’t their second, third or even fourth choice, but they have the personnel now to back up those already present.
Team news and tactics
Swansea
Francesco Guidolin does not have much to worry about in terms of fresh injuries. Club record signing Borja Baston is likely to start from the bench, having just recovered from a thigh injury. Neil Taylor is also returning to full fitness having completed the full 90 minutes for Wales, and an under-23 game under his belt.
A far cry from the “Swanselona” days under Garry Monk, the home team now approaches every game with practicality rather than focusing on just entertainment. In doing so, the defenders prefer to stay back and focus on defending rather than playing a high line and be vulnerable to attacks.
Especially against teams like Chelsea, whose wide game is strong. With the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic always joining attacks, Swansea’s full backs will be expected to have a busy evening.
Another interesting battle is set to emerge in midfield, with both teams cancelling each other out in a 4-2-3-1 formation. N’Golo Kante has covered almost every blade of grass on every pitch, and he will be given the task of marking Leroy Fer, the Swans’ only goalscorer of the season so far.
Probable lineup (4-2-3-1): Fabianski (GK); Naughton, Fernandez, Amat, Taylor; Fer, Cork; Barrow, Sigurdsson, Routledge; Llorente
Chelsea
Only Kurt Zouma and Marco van Ginkel remain long-term absentees for Chelsea. All of the starting eleven from the game against Burnley were involved in internationals, hence a bit of rotation might be expected. The two new arrivals in David Luiz and Marcos Alonso might start from the bench.
Chelsea’s defensive worries continue to be a thorn in their side, even this season. An aging John Terry paired with a slow, albeit solid partner in Gary Cahill does not make the opposition quake in their boots. This match may have come too soon for Luiz and Alonso to start, but it looks like Conte is ultimately aiming for his favoured 3-5-2 or a 3-4-3.
It is unlikely, however, that he will impose that formation straight away. Hence, it could be that Chelsea once again line up in a 4-2-3-1 for now. Brazilian midfielder Oscar has been a revelation so far this season, and could be expected to play just behind the striker once again.
Swansea might sit deep, which may mean that Chelsea will have a tough time breaking them down. Quick, one-touch passing could be the order of the day if the Blues want to get all three points.
Probable lineup (4-2-3-1): Courtois (GK); Azpilicueta, Terry, Cahill, Ivanovic; Matic, Kante; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa
Players to watch out for
Diego Costa (Chelsea)
The Brazil-born Spaniard seems to have hit a rich vein of form for both club and country, scoring 2 out Chelsea’s 7 goals so far and 2 out of Spain’s 8 against Liechtenstein. Given chances, this could well turn out to be his breakthrough year for his adopted country and he would be hoping his club form helps him achieve that.
Fernando Llorente (Swansea)
‘The Lion King’, as he is fondly called, will be hoping to put one over his former boss Antonio Conte. The two worked together at Juventus, but will each be hoping that the other doesn’t do well this time around. The Spaniard is yet to fire this season, but given his pedigree and goal scoring numbers, it should be sooner rather than later.
Key Stats
- Swansea’s 1-0 victory at home last season was their first over Chelsea since 1981
- Chelsea have scored more goals against Swansea (21) than any other Premier League team
- Diego Costa has scored more goals against Swansea (5) than any other team in the Premier League
- Wayne Routledge has created more chances (10) than any other player this season
Betting tips
A game that could well turn out to be a rout for the away side. Chelsea are the in-form team, fresh off a 3-0 result against Burnley and could well slot home equal to or maybe more than that, in this game.
Defensively, The Hard Tackle feels it will be another clean sheet for the Blues as Conte begins to mould the team into a defensive powerhouse.
Standard Bets :
- Chelsea win @ 1.66
- Chelsea Clean Sheet – YES @ 2.37
- Over 2.5 Match Goals @ 1.80
- Both Teams to Score – NO @1.95
Underdog Bets :
- Chelsea Asian Handicap -2 @4.40
- Chelsea Asian Handicap -2.50 @5.50
Prediction
Swansea 0 – 2 Chelsea
On the day, the Blues should be too good for the Swans. The home side will put up a fight, but Chelsea’s superior personnel should shine through on the day.
