Chelsea
will be looking to get their Premier League title defence off to the perfect
start against Swansea.
Chelsea will want to put their pre-season behind them after failing to win a
single game. Mourinho’s side drew with Paris St-Germain and Barcelona, but
lost to New York Red Bulls and Fiorentina. Arsene Wenger also got his first
win over Mourinho in 14 meetings in the Community Shield last Sunday.
Swansea drew four of their five friendlies, winning just one, but have been
boosted by the arrivals of five new signings including Eder, Franck Tabanou
and Andre Ayew.
Chelsea have had a relatively quiet summer, but have brought in two notable
signings. Asmir Begovic signed from Stoke to replace the departing Petr
Cech, as well as signing Radamel Falcao on loan from Monaco.
In the 23 Premier League seasons, the defending champion has never lost on
the opening day (W20, D3).
Team news
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho does not know whether Diego Costa will be fit.
Costa missed last Sunday's Community Shield defeat to Arsenal with a
recurrence of the hamstring problem which has persistently plagued him in
recent seasons.
Falcao and Loic Remy are vying for the starting spot if Costa is
unavailable, and Chelsea have no further concerns.
Bafetimbi Gomis has been troubled by a hamstring injury but the French
striker played in Swansea's final pre-season game against Deportivo La
Coruna last weekend and reported no reaction.
Ghana forward Ayew is poised to make his debut against the champions
following his move from Marseille, but fellow summer signings Kristoffer
Nordfeldt, Tabanou and Eder could all start on the bench.
Stats
On the opening day in Premier League history, Chelsea have won the most
games (15), scored the most goals (48), won the most points (50) and have
the best points per game ratio (2.17 - minimum six matches).
Last season Swansea won their opening three league matches and were one of
two clubs to win all three games played in August (with Chelsea).
Chelsea are looking to become the first team since Manchester United, who
won three successive titles in 06-07, 07-08 and 08-09, to retain the title.
They previously won successive titles in 04-05 and 05-06 under Jose
Mourinho.
Swansea’s only ever League win at Stamford Bridge in 13 attempts came in
their first ever visit; a 3-1 in November 1925.
Merson’s prediction
Jose Mourinho said he doesn't know if Diego Costa will be fit for their
opening fixture against Swansea
Jose Mourinho said he doesn't know if Diego Costa will be fit for their
opening fixture against Swansea
This is where the champions start. People will go on about how Chelsea lost
to teams on their tour of America and how they lost to Arsenal in the
Community Shield but Mourinho knows that their season starts on Saturday,
make no mistake about it. I saw it with Arsenal last season when they
absolutely rinsed Man City at Wembley but they were out of the title race by
November.
Chelsea will be prepared and ready to go for the start of the season. Costa
appears to be struggling for fitness and that's why I don't think the
victory will be as comfortable as it could be, but it will be a thoroughly
professional performance nonetheless.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
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