Match Preview: Swansea vs. Chelsea

After some exciting midweek action in the Capital One Cup that saw Chelsea beat United 5-4 in a thrilling encounter, it’s time to shift our focus back on the Premier League. On Saturday, Chelsea take on Swansea City in what is sure to be a tricky away fixture.

Swansea also registered a win in the Capital One Cup when they beat Liverpool, now managed by ex-Swans boss Brendan Rodgers, at Anfield in turn knocking the defending cup-holders out of the tournament. But Swansea’s form in the Premier League has been far from what they are capable of. They currently lie 11th in the league table. They lost 3 games on the trot after beating newly-promoted West Ham 3-0. The Swans are definitely feeling the pressure of having to live up to heightened expectations after their impressive displays last season. The fact that they added a few quality players to their side in the summer has only added to that pressure. Nevertheless, one cannot underestimate the Welsh side, especially considering how well they did against us in the corresponding fixture last season.

Chelsea are going through a slight slump in form too. Consecutive losses to Shakhtar Donetsk and Manchester United in the Champions League and the Premier League respectively ended our unbeaten start to the season. The win against United in midweek will have brought a much-needed boost for this Chelsea side, who are still unbeaten in away from home in the Premier League this season. The fact that our defence has looked far from convincing in recent matches is also a worry. There are a couple of injury doubts too, as manager Roberto Di Matteo revealed that both David Luiz and Juan Mata are carrying slight injuries.

Keeping form aside, one can expect a good match given the style of play of both teams: Swansea’s possession-based, passing style against Chelsea’s dynamic and fluid style.

Key stats:

1) Chelsea have goal threats all over the field; 14 different players have scored for Chelsea so far this season.

2) Since beating West Ham at home, Swansea have yet to score a goal in a home match before the 60th minute.

Predicted XI: Cech; Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole; Ramires, Mikel; Moses, Oscar, Hazard; Torres.

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22 thoughts on “Match Preview: Swansea vs. Chelsea

  1. Anonymous

    How is Ivanovic a part of the starting line up for Saturday?
    Isnt he serving a 3 match ban?

  2. Anonymous

    How is Ivanovic a part of the starting line up for Saturday?
    Isnt he serving a 3 match ban?

  3. Anonymous

    He got one match! Because it was a light fault!

  4. Anonymous

    He got one match! Because it was a light fault!

  5. Anonymous

    ok cool. thanks for tht… so on what occasion do they get 3 match bans?

  6. Anonymous

    ok cool. thanks for tht… so on what occasion do they get 3 match bans?

  7. i think its when they are deliberate red card tackles that get 3match bans…….where as after review ivanovic really didnt try that much to tacke young so……i can be corrected

  8. i think its when they are deliberate red card tackles that get 3match bans…….where as after review ivanovic really didnt try that much to tacke young so……i can be corrected

  9. He only got a 1 match suspension because he got 2 yellow cards in 1 game. If one of the tackles were hard,like a double footed studs up tackle then he would have recieved a 3 match suspension. His first challenge was like a scissor slide tackle,which should actually have been a straight red. It all depends on how you tackle an opponent to determine the length of a suspension. In his case,he got two cards which mean it's only a 1 match suspension.

  10. He only got a 1 match suspension because he got 2 yellow cards in 1 game. If one of the tackles were hard,like a double footed studs up tackle then he would have recieved a 3 match suspension. His first challenge was like a scissor slide tackle,which should actually have been a straight red. It all depends on how you tackle an opponent to determine the length of a suspension. In his case,he got two cards which mean it's only a 1 match suspension.

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  13. No one can understand why RDM changing moses. unbelievable. very poor managing. Why in earth FERNANDO TORRES continues to play?? He is no where we need him. he will be sacked soon. If chelsea lose against shatkar, RDM will be sacked. 50 millions??? what a waste!!

  14. No one can understand why RDM changing moses. unbelievable. very poor managing. Why in earth FERNANDO TORRES continues to play?? He is no where we need him. he will be sacked soon. If chelsea lose against shatkar, RDM will be sacked. 50 millions??? what a waste!!

  15. Anonymous

    I've made up my mind that ill never complain about Torres again. I missed Mata.

  16. Anonymous

    I've made up my mind that ill never complain about Torres again. I missed Mata.

  17. Anonymous

    I can't believe… Torres allowed swansea to get a goal at 87 mins… Why didn't he defend that ball???????????

  18. Anonymous

    I can't believe… Torres allowed swansea to get a goal at 87 mins… Why didn't he defend that ball???????????

  19. It's always poor Torres. Lol

  20. It's always poor Torres. Lol

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