Chelsea’s Eden Hazard. (Getty)
Though Chelsea didn’t get off to the winning start they hoped for in the Community Shield, the Blues enter the Premier League season as firm favorites with championship pedigree. First up in their title defense is a match with Welsh side Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Absent in that defeat to Arsenal was Diego Costa, who continues to be bothered by hamstring injuries. Devoid of any quality options behind him, Chelsea face the dilemma of staying pat and hope to generate enough offense while Costa is on the shelf, or dive into the transfer market for a quality striker.
In the Premier League for a fourth straight season, Swansea continues to defy the odds. Firmly placed in the middle of the league in each of the first three seasons, Swansea took home the Capital One Cup in 2013 — which included a two-legged win over Chelsea. Last season, Swansea famously did the double over Manchester United and Arsenal.
Chelsea won both meetings between the two teams last season, including a 5-0 drubbing in early January.
Here’s what you need to know about the match:
The Basics
Gylfi Sigurdsson will be a vital player for Swansea’s hopes this season. (Getty)
Who:
What:
English Premier League Week 1
When:
Saturday, August 8
Where:
Time:
12:30 p.m. Eastern time; 5:30 p.m. UK time
Channel:
NBCSN (US) /Sky Sports 1 (UK)(International viewers, click here for your local provider)
Odds:
Chelsea 2/7, Swansea 8/1, Draw 4/1
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