Chelsea can take another significant step towards reclaiming the Premier League title when they face Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
Antonio Conte's men have come out on top in each of their last 11 home matches in all competitions and the side who have an eight point lead at the top of the Premier League standings, are chalked up as bet365’s 1/4 (1.25) favourites to further extend their impressive winning streak against Paul Clement’s charges.
The Swans have certainly enjoyed an upturn in fortunes since the former Derby County manager took up the reins from Bob Bradley at Liberty Stadium at the turn of the year; indeed, last weekend’s 2-0 home win against Leicester City saw the side from south Wales move away from the relegation zone.
GettySwansea have suffered just two defeats in their six Premier League games thus far in 2017 – against Arsenal and Manchester City respectively – and Clement’s team, who have come out on top in three of their last four league matches, will be aiming to maintain momentum in this one.
Getting the better of the runaway league leaders, though, is certainly not an easy assignment and the enormity of the task facing the Swans is reflected by bet365’s 11/1 (12.0) quote for Clement’s team to take all three points, while the odds compilers offer 9/2 (5.50) that Swansea pick up a precious point as they battle to preserve their Premier League status.
Swansea have avoided defeat in each of their last three fixtures against Chelsea, but the Blues have won four of their last five Premier League meetings between the sides in west London.
Recent history between the teams would suggest that there is plenty of potential for goals when the rivalry is renewed, for there have been at least four goals scored in all but one of the last five matches between these teams.
GOALBet365 go just 4/7 (1.57) that Saturday’s showdown produces more than two goals, while the same firm offer even money (2.0) that Chelsea score more than two goals – a selection that would have seen punters profit from five of the Blues’ last six matches at Stamford Bridge. Conte’s men scored twice in their FA Cup win against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux last weekend, with Pedro and Diego Costa on target for the Blues.
There have been at least three goals scored in all but one of Swansea’s last nine Premier League matches on the road and, with both teams desperate for the points at opposite ends of the table, this has all the makings of an explosive encounter.
Punters, therefore, are advised to snap up the juicy 5/4 (2.25) quote for more than three goals to be scored when Chelsea face Swansea City; a selection that would have seen punters profit from four of the last five fixtures between the two teams.
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