Chelsea vs Swansea Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Chelsea entertain Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day with the hosts looking to move top of the Premier League.

The Blues head into the festive fixtures sitting fourth in the table following Monday’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal, but Jose Mourinho’s men are just two points off top spot so could leapfrog their rivals if results go their way.

The west Londoners may have one eye on Sunday’s crucial clash against leaders Liverpool but will want to go into that fixture in confident mood so Mourinho will be targetting all three points against the Swans.

Chelsea may have had their troubles on the road this season but at home they have been excellent, winning seven of their eight games so far, so Michael Laudrup’s side have their work cut out in trying to take anything back to Wales tomorrow.

Swansea also arrive in the capital in poor form having won just two of their last 13 games in all competitions so they will look to kick start their campaign with a positive result at the Bridge.

Team News

Jose Mourinho is likely to reshuffle his team with Sunday’s game against Liverpool in mind which could see the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill, Frank Lampard, Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres given a rest.

This would open the door for Ashley Cole, David Luiz, Juan Mata and Samuel Eto’o to come in while Oscar could also get a recall having been left among the subs at the Emirates last time out.

Michael Essien is available again after serving his one-game ban but Marco van Ginkel remains out.

Swansea have been rocked by the news that Michu will miss around six weeks with an ankle injury. This should see Wilfried Bony start in attack.

Chico Flores came through Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Everton unscathed after returning from injury, so should keep his place in defence alongside Ashley Williams.

Leon Britton could get a recall having been among the subs last time out but Michel Vorm and Nathan Dyer remain out through injury.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Juan Mata: The Spaniard could be restored to the starting eleven tomorrow and will be eager to show Mourinho what he can do. On his day he’s a magician so the visitors will have to pay close attention to him.

Predicted Score

Chelsea 2-0 Swansea: A depleted Swansea outfit should be no match for the Blues. We can’t see past a home win here.

What team would you like to see start and what’s your predicted score? Share your views below.