Football

Preview: Chelsea vs. Swansea City – Team News, Odds, Tips and Predictions

07-02-2017 - Eden Hazard BPI Icon Sport Chelsea
Chelsea could take another step closer to the Premier League title with victory over Swansea this weekend.

Antonio Conte’s side are currently eight points clear at the top of the table and if results go their way, could find themselves eleven points in front with twelve games to go.

However, Swansea have looked rejuvenated under Paul Clement and have won four of their last six league games. This game is of added importance to Clement as he had two separate spells coaching at Chelsea, including one where he helped Carlo Ancelotti win the Premier League.

Team News

A number of first team regulars will be restored to the starting line-up after Conte rotated his squad for the FA Cup win against Wolves last weekend.

Kurt Zouma, John Terry and Nathan Ake could all be dropped, however there are doubts surrounding David Luiz’s fitness as he’s been suffering from a knee injury. Asmir Begovic could replace Thibault Courtois in goal, with the Belgian suffering from a stomach bug this week.

Swansea will be without Nathan Dyer, who’s picked up a season-ending Achilles injury, while Ki Sung-Yeung is also out. Jefferson Montero remains a doubt with hamstring problem, but Leon Britton might return from a back complaint.

Stats

  • After going unbeaten in their first eight Premier League meetings with Swansea (W6 D2), Chelsea are winless in their last three against them (D2 L1).
  • The Swans have scored four goals in their last two league visits to Stamford Bridge, the same number they’d scored in their previous 10 games combined.
  • Diego Costa has scored seven goals in his four Premier League games against Swansea, including a hat-trick in this fixture in September 2014.
  • Gylfi Sigurdsson has scored four Premier League goals against Chelsea, more than he has against any other side.

Match Prediction and Odds

Words by @dominictrant