Premier League champions Chelsea begin their title-defending campaign by hosting Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with the late kick-off of 5.30pm.
The Blues boast a formidable opening day record, having escaped defeat in the curtain-raiser for 16 successive years, and the Swans will certainly have to be at their best to put a halt to their opponent’s intimidating run.
With Swansea having never beaten Chelsea in England’s top flight – the last time the two sides met Mourinho’s men cruised to a 5-0 victory – three points are expected for the hosts.
However, a disappointing pre-season campaign, culminated in their defeat to Fiorentina on home turf earlier this week, may have left their rivals sensing vulnerability in a side that hasn’t significantly strengthened over the summer.
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In worrying news for Chelsea, Jose Mourinho has admitted his doubts over the fitness of Diego Costa ahead of the fixture – with the fearsome centre-forward still struggling with a hamstring injury he battled with throughout his debut campaign.
Mourinho has stated that Loic Remy or new summer loan signing Radamel Falcao are therefore set to lead the attack; in what is likely to be a similar side to that which lifted the Premier League title only three months ago.
While Arsenal, signing Chelsea icon Petr Cech, Manchester City, luring Raheem Sterling to the Etihad, and Manchester United, making five major acquisitions, have considerably bolstered their options – the Blues have opted to retain faith in last season’s squad.
It remains to be seen whether such a decision could leave Chelsea exposed as the season progresses; however, it is undoubtedly refreshing to see a a giant of English football not reliant upon the transfer market to ruffle the feathers of their rivals.
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