Swansea vs Chelsea
A more low-profile fixture will suit Chelsea this weekend, after last week’s goings on, and away from the live TV cameras in South Wales I expect Roberto Di Matteo’s men to prosper.
The Premier League defeat to Manchester United was their first of the campaign and Chelsea’s consistency sees them top the table. Swansea, however, have been erratic: Michael Laudrup’s team have won three and lost four of their nine Premier League outings.
Although their results are better at the Liberty Stadium, where they have collected eight of their 11 points, the Blues are unbeaten on the road, having taken 10 of the 12 points available from visits to Wigan, Queens Park Rangers, Arsenal and Tottenham.
I would certainly advocate backing Chelsea at 4/5 with Coral, not that I expect them to run away with it.
They drew 1-1 at Swansea last season and the Swans will have a real spring in their step after beating Liverpool – and old manager Brendan Rodgers – 3-1 to reach the League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.
A narrow win is more likely. Sporting Index are predicting total goals at 2.9-3.1, which is a tough mark to challenge. At 3/1 with Ladbrokes, I quite fancy Chelsea to win by a goal.
■ Pointers…
Chelsea at 4/5 with Coral
Chelsea to win by a goal at 3/1 with Ladbrokes