Chelsea will take on a resurgent Swansea City side as the Premier League will return after a hiatus. The FA Cup action sure produced some upsets but when the League returns this weekend, expect normal service to resume.
Swansea looked dead and buried a few weeks ago but the appointment of Paul Clement has had a galvanising effect on the team as they are now four points clear of the relegation places.
Chelsea could only manage a draw in their last game against Burnley and some would say they were lucky to pick up a point as Dyche’s men were unlucky not to win the game. The draw is expected to be a minor blip as the players will want to ensure they avoid any slip ups and maintain their lead at the top.
Conte has been pretty luck in terms having a full-fit squad more often than not and we could see the strongest possible XI on the pitch once again.
Defence
Thibaut Courtois has been exceptionally good in goal and has come up with important saves every now and then. His form this season has helped the defence who now trust the custodian in set-pieces and with his distribution. He does have a strain and if he fails to make it in time, we could see Asmir Begovic in goal.
Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta are expected to line-up at the back once again and they won’t have a straightforward task as the Swansea attack is playing with a lot of confidence.
Midfield
The duo of Nemanja Matic and N’Golo Kanté will once again play in front of the defence. Their productivity while attacking has been immense too as they have been pretty good in the transition. Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses are expected to start as the wing-backs and their work rate will be important on the day.
Attack
Diego Costa has been phenomenal this season and even though he has had a recent dip in form after a speculative January, he is still one of the best in the business when it comes to hold up play and finishing. Eden Hazard and Pedro could start as the two attackers in the team and the presence of players like Alonso and Moses has helped them play a more central role.
Swansea’s defence hasn’t been all that impressive and Chelsea’s attack will smell blood at Stamford Bridge.
