Chelsea vs Swansea Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Chelsea get back to domestic action as they welcome League Cup winners Swansea City to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues head into the game after Thursday night’s 2-1 away win over Basel in the first leg of their Europa League semi final. A late goal from David Luiz put the west Londoners in control as they welcome the Swiss outfit to the Bridge for the second leg next week.

But it’s back to league duties this weekend and Rafa Benitez men are desperate for points as they battle London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham for a top four finish. Chelsea currently find themselves in fourth place on goal difference after Spurs were held to a 2-2 draw by Wigan on Saturday so the Blues can move clear of their rivals with a win this weekend.

Chelsea dropped two valuable points last time out in the league, when a controversial Luis Suarez equaliser six minutes into injury time salvaged a point for Liverpool at Anfield.

Swansea on the other hand arrive in London with little left to play for and have been on a poor run since winning the League Cup in February. Michael Laudrup’s men haven’t won in their last five outings and were held by Southampton to a 0-0 draw last weekend.

However, the Welsh club will take heart from their last visit to Stamford Bridge when they ran out 2-0 victors on route to the final of the Capital One Cup, and Laudrup will be keen for a repeat performance this weekend.

Team News

Benitez is likely to reshuffle his pack once again as he continues to try and juggle Chelsea’s packed fixture list. Striker Demba Ba will get a recall after being ineligible to play in midweek with Fernando Torres dropping out.

Juan Mata may come in for Eden Hazard after being left on the bench against Basel while Cary Cahill could also start for the first time since recovering from a knee injury. John Terry and Frank Lampard are expected to be rested.

Swansea have no fresh injury worries to contend with for the game. Full-back Neil Taylor made a return to the bench after a long injury lay-off last week, but he’s unlikely to be risked from the start just yet.

Wayne Routledge and Ki Sung-Yueng are among the players hoping for recalls after missing out in recent weeks.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Chelsea looked impressive at Anfield last week and were unlucky not to take home all three points. The visitors have ran out of steam in recent weeks and I can’t see past a home win here. Chelsea 2-0 Swansea

What would be your preferred team for the game and what’s your predicted score? Get involved in the comments section below.