This Saturday at Stamford Bridge, first place welcomes second with both teams sporting a 100 percent record – and something has got to give.
Chelsea host surprise starters Swansea where both sides are three for three in the Premier League so far. Whilst Chelsea are the bookmakers favourites for the top-flight title this season at 4/5 with most outlets, Swansea have enjoyed an excellent start amid some fine summer business off the back of a disappointing campaign last time out.
Bet on the match now with bet365
The Swans rained on Louis Van Gaal’s parade on the opening day of the season with a shock 2-1 victory at Old Trafford. Gylfi Sigurdsson has seamlessly settled back into familiar surroundings and the retention of stars like Wilfried Bony and Ashley Williams has brought continuity to Gary Monks ranks.
Nathan Dyer and Wayne Routledge have contributed in the same vein that spawned shouts for a pair of England call-ups a couple of years ago, too. What’s more exciting for Swans fans are the arrivals of Jefferson Montero, Bafetimbi Gomis and a duo yet to even make their bows, Federico Fernandez and Thomas Carroll.
Chelsea have fired 11 goals in their opening three fixtures, six of which came away to Everton. Diego Costa has taken no time at all to settle into his new side after his £32m switch from La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.
The Spanish international has four goals in three appearances and despite pulling out of the Spain squad last week, like Eden Hazard did for Belgium, both are expected to be fit for Saturday.
Cesc Fabregas is another new signing who has quickly found his feet, picking up where he left off in the Premier League. The former Arsenal skipper has played a pivotal role in the aesthetically pleasing football Jose Mourinho’s men have showcased.
Chelsea are 2/7 on for the win on Saturday, with Swansea coming in as high as 10/1, which feels generous given their away day heroics at Old Trafford.
Costa is 3/1 with Ladbrokes to score first in this fixture, and there are similar yet slightly shorter prices elsewhere. Loic Remy is floating around at 7/2 while the Welsh sides best bet comes in the form of Ivorian striker Bony, who is available at 14/1, also with Ladbrokes.
Swansea did pull off a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge back in the 2012/13 season in a League Cup semi-final. In the four games since then, Swansea have tasted defeat three times failing to score in all four outings.
