Antonio Conte vs Francesco Guidolin- it will be a clash of two Italian gaffers when Swansea City take on high-flying Chelsea at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday. Chelsea had the perfect start to life under Antonio Conte winning three out of three beating West Ham, Watford and Burnley so far. On the other hand, Swansea are going through a tough time having lost two of their three games after a winning start to their campaign.
The start Antonio Conte had at Chelsea is remarkable considering the fact that it is his first season in any league outside Italy. It will be an uphill task for Guidolin and his Swansea team to stop the Blues from cruising to another victory. However, Guidolin is well-known to Conte and his tactical approach to the game and if he can plan his game well, he can come up with a formula to stop the London giants. Although the Conte of Juventus or Italy and the Conte of Chelsea are much different in terms of their tactics but Guidolin, with his counter-tactics, can stop the Blues.
Outnumber Chelsea in midfield and neutralise Kante
Kante, a key figure in Leicester City’s remarkable title win last season, has impressed in a Chelsea shirt from his very first outing. With his exceptional work rate, industry and tenacity, the Frenchman sets the foundation of the Chelsea team and sets the team on the front foot with his passing. If Swansea can neutralise the 25-year-old’s impact, more than half of the job is done. Guidolin should opt for a midfield trio of Leroy Fer, Ki Sung-Yeung and Jack Cork to outnumber Chelsea in midfield. Gylfi Sigurdsson, the Swansea number ten also needs to come deep and help out the trio in bossing the midfield area.
Not allowing Hazard to drift inside
Eden Hazard is at his usual self from the very start of the season. The Belgian superstar’s dip in form last season cost Chelsea big time as they set an example of the worst title defence in many years. The 25-year-old has found the back of the net twice already this season from 3 games and if Swansea allow him the space, he will do the damage. Kyle Naughton or Angel Rangel- whoever starts in the right-back position needs to ensure that Eden Hazard is man marked carefully and is not allowed to drift inside from the left flank.
Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante are the key figures of the Chelsea team and if Guidolin can come up with these tactics to keep the duo off-colour, Swansea can hope for salvaging something from the game.
