Venue: Liberty Stadium
Date: Saturday, 3 November
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
After the goal-fests that came with the Capital One Cup this week, you might think we’re in for a bit of a barren day in the Premier League. That might not necessarily be the case in this game though because both Chelsea and Swansea have been a bit prone to letting goals in lately.
Whilst we’re both pretty capable of attacking, Chelsea’s defence look to be missing the leadership and organisation that comes with John Terry’s presence – conceding nine goals in the three games he’s missed so far – whilst Swansea look a bit prone to mistakes at that back that have cost them points along the way.
We both come into today’s game off the back of midweek wins although whilst Swansea managed to beat Liverpool within the 90 minutes, we had an extra half hour added for our 5-4 win over United so we’ll have to hope we’ve still got the legs for it today.
MANAGERS’ VIEWS
Heading into this game, you might be forgiven for thinking Swansea boss Michael Laudrup’s focus seems to be a bit more on the next game than this one. Not that he’s obsessed with the Southampton game or anything but ahead of playing Chelsea, he insists “I’m not worried about Saturday because I know we’ll perform well. The result against Southampton is much more important. Every small club wants to show when they play the big boys ‘look what we can do… if we make a good result everyone is talking about us’. The problem is a week later you have to play one of the smaller teams. Sometimes that’s when the reaction comes. I’m much more concerned about the Southampton game because after three big games we have to play Southampton away. The result against Southampton is much more important than result against Chelsea. Of course I want to win both of them, but if you say to me I have to pick one of the two – yesterday, today and tomorrow I will pick the Southampton game. I know a lot of the players will have tired legs because they have played two games this week against two big opponents, and this one will maybe be the biggest because it’s the European champions. I’m sure you will see another good performance, but if it’s good enough to get a point or three I don’t know.”
Roberto Di Matteo meanwhile seems to be able to focus on the team we’re playing today, saying “I think they’re a bit more clinical now maybe compared to the last couple of seasons when they had a lot of possession but didn’t really create a lot of chances. They go forward a little bit quicker and score a few number of goals more than maybe in the past. I think that’s changed in the Swansea team.” Whilst on his own team, Di Matteo says “I think the last few games we’ve conceded a few more goals than at the start of the season. It’s been down to individual mistakes. Our track record is very good. We’ll continue to do it. John Terry is an influential player for us for sure. When he plays he plays very well. The other players have done a fantastic job. We have to improve but I don’t think it’s as simple as that. You look at other teams conceding goals. We have to improve over the last few games, our defensive organisation.”
SQUAD NEWS
For Swansea, keeper Michel Vorm (groin), Neil Taylor (broken ankle) and Kyle Bartley (thigh) are out and defender Chico Flores, faces a late fitness test. Ashley Williams should play though despite an ankle problem.
For Chelsea, Frank Lampard (calf) remains out and Juan Mata (hamstring) and David Luiz (ankle) could also miss out. John Terry serves the last game of his ban but Ashley Cole (ankle) should return from his knock and both Torres and Ivanovic are available after serving one-match bans.
TEAMS
SWANSEA (from): Flores, Tate, Williams, Britton, Michu, Graham, Hernandez, Dyer, Routledge, Monk, Shechter, Moore, De Guzman, Tiendalli, Rangel, Ki, Tremmel, Agustien, Gower, Richards, Davies, Cornell.
CHELSEA (from): Cech, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Bertrand, Mikel, Romeu, Ramires, Mata, Hazard, Oscar, Moses, Piazon, Marin, Sturridge, Torres, Turnbull.
LAST MEETING
Swansea 1-1 Chelsea (31st January 2012)
PREDICTION
In our first top-flight meetings with Swansea last season, we won easily at home but needed a stoppage time own-goal to get a draw away. In our ten trips to Swansea before that, we didn’t do that much better either, with just 2 wins, so it isn’t a favourite fixture by any means. Swansea have only lost one from their five home games so far this season as well and that was back in September against Everton although we’re unbeaten on our travels up until now as well.
Mind you, we were robbed lost our first game of the season last weekend and as if that isn’t enough to put the odd doubt in our minds, we had a man sent off in both fixtures against Swansea last season as well. Doesn’t bode that well for 3 points does it?
