Premier League: Swansea v Chelsea match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the Liberty Stadium

Saad Noor
Friday 02 November 2012 16:07 GMT
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Swansea manager Michael Laudrup
Swansea manager Michael Laudrup (GETTY IMAGES)

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Chelsea travel to the Liberty Stadium on Saturday to face Swansea intent on recovering from their first Premier League defeat of the season.

The Blues' lead at the top of the table was pegged back to just a point by Manchester United after their 3-2 defeat at Stamford Bridge last week. Roberto Di Matteo's side did earn some vengeance in a pulsating 5-4 extra-time win over Sir Alex Ferguson's side in the League Cup on Wednesday but will be looking to reinstate their dominance at the top of the league against Swansea on Saturday.

Michael Laudrup's side's stoic defence were worthy of a draw at Manchester City last week but the champions' goal eventually came through Carlos Tevez in the 61st minute, sending Swansea back to Wales with no points.

A sweet 3-1 victory over Liverpool under old manager Brendan Rodgers in the League Cup on Wednesday would have lifted Swansea's spirits and served as a reminder of the flashes of brilliance this side is capable of.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Swansea 1 (Sinclair) Chelsea 1 (Taylor OG), Premier League, January 2012

Chelsea 4 (Torres, Ramires 2, Drogba) Swansea 1 (Williams), Premier League, September 2011

Chelsea 6 (Nevin, Bumstead, Dixon, Canoville 3) Swansea 1(Walsh), Second Division, December 1983

STATS...

Michael Laudrup's side are the only current top-flight side never to have scored a Premier League goal in November.

The hosts have only lost one of their last eight league games at the Liberty Stadium, winning four.

Chelsea have not lost a Premier League match away from home this season, and have only suffered defeat at Stamford Bridge once - against Manchester United on Sunday.

ODDS...

Swansea to win: 4.30

Chelsea to win: 1.75

Draw: 3.6

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.20pm

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