Swansea host Premier League title contenders Chelsea as race heats up

Chelsea’s midweek majesty over PSG proved two things at least. First, the 40/1 shots for the domestic and European double still bear all the characteristic of champions. Second, Jose Mourinho’s magic still casts him down the touchline with ease.

Rejuvenated, they travel to Swansea next, already knowing the outcome of the Liverpool – Manchester City match. A draw at Anfield, and a Chelsea win would put them level on points with the Reds and four in front of City. Ever the spin tactician, Mourinho will be keen to emphasize the Manchester club’s two games in hand.

What he says to the media and what he says to his players are two entirely different matters. You can bet Chelsea are fired up beyond belief, and are 5/6 favourites for the trip to Swansea.

Demba Ba who clinched the dramatic winner against PSG is 6/4 to score at anytime and is expected to feature. Out of contract in the summer, he will be keen to impress potential suitors and even convince his boss he is worthy of a new deal.

Swansea’s best hope is in the form of striker Wilfried Bony who has 11 goals to his name this term, and has found a bit of form recently netting in consecutive games, despite his team winning just once in eight. Coral offer him at odds of 8/1 to be first scorer.

Boss Garry Monk is set to ring the changes, with Nathan Dyer and Pablo Hernandez, both 4/1 to score at anytime close to starting, and Jose Canas back in the fold, though he admits his side, also 4/1 for the win are unlikely to push the Londoners off course:

"I don't buy we could catch them cold after midweek. The players they have through the squad are top-class players. I am sure they will make changes, but whoever comes in is top class.

"They are not pushing for the title for no reason, they have experience and class all over the pitch. It's an extremely tough game, but a challenge we are looking forward to and have to relish.

"The journey this club has been on and fighting for is to be on this level, to compete against these sort of teams and we have to make sure we continue that."

Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and John Terry are both major doubts, though they welcome back midfielder Ramires back from a three match ban, and Mohammed Salah is in line for a recall after being cup-tied for the Champions League. The Egyptian winger who netted first against Stoke is 8/1 to do so again, and 15/8 to strike at anytime.