After meeting on the first day of 2015-16, things have not gone to plan for either Chelsea or the Swans.
The two sides that face-off at the Liberty this weekend are miles apart from that which started the campaign, with Swansea occupying 15th spot on the ladder while the reigning Premier League champions have fared little better and sit 10th.
However, Chelsea are undefeated in the English top-flight since Guus Hiddink took the helm back over, a run that has now stretched to 15 games. This makes it somewhat even more unfortunate that these results have only counted largely for pride, with a slim chance at a finish inside the top six the only goals that the current side has to hold onto before new manager Antonio Conte takes over and a likely clear-out begins.
Also having sacked a manager this campaign, Swansea’s form improved enough to see them avoid the relegation battle, but like Chelsea look set for a mid-table finish. Goals from Gylfi Sigurdsson and Alberto Paloschi inside the last 30 minutes of last weekend’s match earned a point on the road against Stoke City, coming back from 2-0 down at the Britannia.
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Key Battle – Ashley Williams vs Pedro
It has taken a long time, but Pedro is finally showing some of the signs that made him such a dominant force in La Liga and has been on his best run in a blue shirt. The playmaker’s form has built over the past month, from being an impressive creative outlet on the wing in the unsuccessful Champions League tie against PSG, to starring in last weekend’s thumping of Aston Villa with a classy brace. With numerous attacking options to also connect with, the Swans will need to be vary of Pedro’s ability to both assist and finish on his own.
On the other hand, among a Swansea side which has severely lacked consistency in 2016 centre-back Ashley Williams has been a rock among the squad, never losing belief when on the field despite the tough results of late. The 31-year-old is averaging 1.8 tackles per game, 2.7 interceptions and an impressive nine clearances, also recording two goals and an assist for the campaign.
Team News
Guus Hiddink will be without Diego Costa and Loic Remy due to suspension and injury, respectively, meaning the Dutchman will have a choice between Bertrand Traore or Alexandre Pato for a traditional striker to lead the line. Expect Baba Rahman and Matt Miazga to also feature in defence instead of John Terry and Gary Cahill, while Eden Hazard is also under doubt.
Conversely, Francesco Guidolin has a full-strength squad to choose from, with Andre Ayew a chance to feature after recovering from a foot issue.
Head-to-head
The Blues have played Swansea only 30 times previously dating back to 1925 and the history books are firmly in their favour, claiming full rewards on 14 occasions compared to 10 wins for the Welsh-based club. A third of the total matches have ended as a stalemate though.
Previous meeting
A 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on the season’s opening weekend saw Swansea start the campaign on the right note, while Chelsea fans will remember it as the match where the screws began to come loose for Jose Mourinho. Oscar’s opener and an own goal from Federico Fernandez were answered by Ayew’s strike and Bafetimbi Gomis’ penalty, although Mourinho’s firing of team doctor Eva Carneiro after she treated Eden Hazard on the field would steal the headlines.
Prediction
It should be clear for every player in what has been an insipid Chelsea squad that an impression needs to be made before the end of the season or nobody will be safe when Conte arrives. That window of opportunity begins this weekend and it should be a rather straightforward outing at Stamford Bridge given the disjointed way the Swans have fared in 2015-16.
Chelsea 2 Swansea City 0
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