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Swansea City vs Chelsea Preview
Last time when Chelsea faced Swansea City, it marked the beginning of the end for Jose Mourinho. A Thibaut Courtois red card and the infamous Hazard injury issue caused an outrage from Jose and he just couldn’t get over that. Ultimately he was sacked and Chelsea are experiencing one of the worst seasons in recent times. Same goes with the Swans who have faced a tough season with safety just ensured.
But the future seems to be sorted ahead of the arrival of Antonio Conte and the present is decent under Hiddink who is still undefeated in the League. Chelsea are fighting for a place in the Europa League and that means the game against Swansea is a must win. Head to head record favours the blues as they won 14 times out of 30 and Swansea winning 10 out of those.
The Last meeting between the sides ended 2-2 with Oscar and a Fernandez own goal sealing a point for the blues while Ayew and Gomis scored for the visitors. The season has to be ended on a high and the players must be itching to prove themselves and they have to if they want a future under Conte as a massive overhaul is expected with his arrival.
Team news :
Swansea boss Francesco Guidolin has a full fit squad to choose from and the good news for them is that Andre Ayew has returned to full training.
Diego Costa will be serving his suspension while Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao are injured. That leaves Traore or Pato upfront which can be a worry for the blues. Kurt Zouma and Eden Hazard are the long-term absentees while John Terry and Gary Cahill are doubtful for the clash.
Tactics :
One thing that Guidolin has brought a chance in at Swansea since his arrival is the high press. The Italian likes to press opponents high in their half and with the likes of Routledge and Sigurdsson, Chelsea have to be aware of it. Swansea are playing in a diamond formation these days and Chelsea have to completely boss the midfield if all three points are needed.
Hiddink rightly sensed the weakness and has effectively played John Obi Mikel to offer more stability in the centre of the park. Cesc Fabregas has been given a free role to play to its strengths and that is playing well into the hands of the blues. Matt Miazga has his work cut against the might of Bafetimbi Gomis and it will be an interesting battle to watch.
Predicted lineups :
Swansea : Fabianski, Rangel, Fernandez, Williams, Naughton, Cork, Britton, Fer, Sigurdsson, Routledge, Gomis.
Chelsea : Courtois, Azpilicueta, Miazga, Ivanovic, Rahman, Mikel, Fabregas, Pedro, Oscar, Willian, Pato.
Prediction :
Swansea 1 – 2 Chelsea
Betting odds : (bet victor)
Chelsea win : 11/10
Swansea win : 3/1
Draw : 12/5
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