Swansea v Chelsea preview: David Luiz poised for second Chelsea debut

22:23
Sunday Preview

David Luiz could make his first appearance for Chelsea since his Deadline Day transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in their Super Sunday clash at Swansea, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 3.30pm.

Luiz completed a £34m move back to Stamford Bridge on August 31 and is available for the Premier League clash at the Liberty Stadium.

The Brazilian's return opens up the option for Antonio Conte to play three at the back, a tactic he favoured during his managerial spells in Italy.

David Luiz returns to the Chelsea fold after two seasons with PSG
David Luiz returns to the Chelsea fold after two seasons with PSG

"I think David Luiz is a centre-back, he's played a lot of games in that position," Conte told Chelsea TV.

"I know sometimes he's played as a central midfielder but in my mind the idea is to utilise him in the right position which, for me, is centre-back.

Swansea signing Borja Baston spent last season on loan at Eibar last season
Swansea signing Borja Baston spent last season on loan at Eibar last season

Meanwhile, Swansea hope record signing Borja Baston will feature for the first time, though the striker has struggled with a thigh injury since his £15.5m move from Atletico Madrid.

Team news

Baston could make the bench alongside new central defender Alfie Mawson, who joined from Barnsley in a £5m deal just before the transfer deadline.

Swansea vs Chelsea

September 11, 2016, 3:30pm

Live on Sky Sports 1 HD

Wales full-back Neil Taylor is included in a Premier League squad for the first time this season following his extended post-Euro 2016 break and Jefferson Montero is available despite his late return from international duty with Ecuador.

For Chelsea, left-back Marcos Alonso comes into contention after joining from Fiorentina, but defender Kurt Zouma remains sidelined with a knee problem.

Match stats

Swansea's 1-0 win in this fixture last season was their first league victory and clean sheet in 12 games against the Blues, since a 3-0 win in April 1981.

Chelsea have scored more goals against Swansea than any other Premier League side has (21).

Since beating Chelsea 1-0 in April, the Swans have kept just one clean sheet in eight Premier League games.

Diego Costa has scored more Premier League goals against Swansea than any other opponent he has faced (five).

Chelsea
Chelsea's Spanish striker Diego Costa is in prolific form for the Blues

Costa has either scored or assisted in each of his last five Premier League games for the Blues.

Leroy Fer has scored in two of his three Premier League games this season, having failed to score in any of the 11 he played in last season for the Swans.

In each of their title winning seasons, Chelsea won their opening four games of the Premier League campaign (2004/05, 2005/06, 2009/10 and 2014/15).

No player has created more chances than Wayne Routledge so far this season (10).

Sign in to watch highlights: Leicester 2-1 Swansea

Swansea are yet to lose three successive league games under Francesco Guidolin's management.

Antonio Conte could win his four opening Premier League games - something that only three previous Chelsea managers have done (Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti).

Merson's prediction

I can see Swansea struggling this season and think Chelsea's 100 per cent record continues this weekend.

The Swans have sold their best players and haven't really bought in top quality replacements.

Chelsea 3-0 Burnley

They have had a couple of bad results since beating Burnley on the opening day and I think this will be comfortable for Antonio Conte's side.

PAUL PREDICTS: 0-3 (Sky Bet odds 11/1)

Source : skysports[dot]com

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