A new season of English Premier League has arrived and Chelsea will begin their title defense with a game at home against Swansea City on Saturday afternoon.
Reigning champions Chelsea have struggled to retain their winning momentum this season as they are yet to win a match within stipulated time. The Blues won two of the three games played during their trip to North America, but both the victories against Paris Saints Germain and Barcelona came on penalties.
| What | English Premier League-Week 1 |
| Who | Chelsea vs Swansea City |
| When | Saturday 12:45PM, 17:30 BST |
| Where | Stamford Bridge |
| TV Info | BT Sport 1, Sky Sports 1, NBC |
| Live Score | Click Here for Live Score info |
| Forecast | Warm and pleasant |
Jose Mourinho’s side has lost twice since returning to London, particularly in the Community Shield clash against Arsenal and were also on the losing end against Fiorentina on Wednesday.
Swansea remained undefeated during a packed pre-season schedule, posting one victory and four draws including two 1-1 results away at Reading and Nottingham Forest. Their lone victory came against 1860 Munich on 18 July as Chelsea academy graduate Jack Cork struck early for the Swans.
How’s the head-to-head?
Chelsea remains unbeaten against Swansea in their last eight encounters half of which came at Stamford Bridge. The champions thrashed Garry Monk’s men when they last met at the Liberty Stadium in January. Oscar and Diego Costa scored braces to humble the Swans with heaviest Premier League defeat at home.
Team News
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed that star striker Diego Costa may miss the opening clash against Swansea City due to a hamstring injury.
French striker Loic Remy is expected to deputise in Costa’s absence after loan signing Falcao joined the squad late. The Colombian was allowed extended break following national duty in the Copa America.
Meanwhile, Eder and Ayew are poised for their competitive debuts for the Swans. Monk’s only doubt comes in the form of Jordi Amat, whose injured foot has ruled him out of the season opener.
Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has signed a new contract on Thursday and will be looking to celebrate the moment with a clean sheet.
Having triumphed at Old Trafford on opening day last year, a Swansea side bolstered by the arrival of Ghana forward André Ayew pose a serious threat to Chelsea’s dreams of a successful title defense.