Chelsea travel to the Liberty Stadium as they look to maintain their winning start to the season. Antonio Conte has brought in a breath of fresh air, especially for the beleaguered players like Eden Hazard and Diego Costa. The lynchpins of their success story of the 2014-15 campaign, both these attacking players were off the pace throughout last season and the team’s subsequent travails up the pitch was there for all to see. But Conte will not be altogether happy with the overall performance of his side. He was expected to bring back the steely determination and impenetrable defence we associate with Conte’s teams and Chelsea traditionally. And some hoped he would extend their solidity further. But on the early evidence so far he has not been able to do so. The lack of options is perceived as a major reason his hands have been tied but with the transfer window offering a couple of reinforcements (albeit unlikely) he will be able to work properly towards their defensive goals.
Chelsea have relied on their strikers to bail them out of the matches so far but after a more balanced performance against Burnley at home, Conte will hope for an encore when they meet the Swans. Swansea on the hand have been dealt with successive losses after their narrow opening day win over Burnley. They will be aware of the size of the task ahead of them but will fancy their chances of causing an upset.
PREDICTED LINE-UP OF CHELSEA VERSUS SWANSEA (4-1-4-1)
DEFENCE
Thibaut Courtois is the obvious choice in goal. Ivanovic is likely to continue at right back with a central defensive partnership of John Terry and Gary Cahill. David Luiz might get some minutes off the bench according to the situation of the match. Azpilicueta is likely to be at left-back as Marcos Alonso settles amongst his new teammates.
MIDFIELD
N’Golo Kante will be his usual tireless self, protecting the back four and breaking up attack after attack. Conte might go with Matic and Oscar ahead of him but Fabregas will be hoping for a recall after impressing in training.
ATTACK
Eden Hazard will take up the left-wing slot and look to carry on his enterprising start to the season while Willian looks to make the right side of the midfield his own. Both the players have been in good form and will key to their team’s attacking exploits. Diego Costa will be leading the line after a productive International break with Spain.
