4. Battling Swans – Ajitesh Rasgotra
Chelsea and Swansea met on the opening day of this Premier League campaign, battling each other to a 2-2 draw. Boy, have things changed since then. Both teams have lost their original managers (Jose Mourinho and Garry Monk) while they have also endured similarly disappointing seasons.
However, while Chelsea are safe in no man’s land, Swansea are still threatened with relegation. The Welsh outfit have taken a significant step backwards this season, even though a large part of that is due to the ever-increasing competitiveness of the league.
Having finished eighth last time out, missing out on Europe by one position, Swansea are currently in 15th place. Assuming that Sunderland win their game in hand, that leaves the Swans seven points above the bottom three. With six games left, they should not be overly concerned, but there is still a slim chance that they go down.
As a result, Swansea will be desperate to obtain at least a point from this fixture. Furthermore, first team coach Alan Curtis’ comments that the squad are playing for their futures will only add to the intensity that they are set to bring.
Next: Chelsea FC face Swansea City: team news, prediction and stats
Chelsea, despite the associated effects of Conte’s appointment, will not be able to match the desire and pure passion that will emanate from the hosts. The question is whether they can summon enough quality to overcome it.