Premier League champions Chelsea begin their title-defence at Stamford Bridge, as they host Gary Monk’s Swansea City.
A disappointing pre-season, combined with the strengthening of Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United means the Blues will be aiming for a perfect start to the 2015-16 campaign.
New summer signings Asmir Begovic and Radamel Falcao are set to start on the bench after their disappointing performances against in the defeat to Fiorentina mid-week, while Diego Costa is still struggling with a hamstring injury that saw him sidelined for the end of last season.
Here’s how we think Chelsea will line-up on Saturday evening…
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GK – Thibaut Courtois
New signing Asmir Begovic has been disappointing in pre-season, and it seems won’t threaten Courtois’ position. However, with Petr Cech having left west London after becoming second-fiddle to Courtois, the pressure is on the Belgian to assure supporters that Jose Mourinho made the correct call.
LB – Cesar Azpilicueta
With Filipe Luis have returned to Atletico Madrid, there is no competition for Azpilicueta at left-back. While the Spaniard is firmly first-choice, any injury could leave Chelsea’s defence exposed.
CB – John Terry
The Blues captain played every minute of their title-winning campaign, and will be key to the title remaining at Stamford Bridge in the new season.
CB – Gary Cahill
The England international faces serious competition from Kurt Zouma in the heart of defence; however, Terry and Cahill firmly remains Mourinho’s first-choice partnership.
RB – Branislav Ivanovic
Ivanovic is one of the first names on the Chelsea team-sheet – and deservedly so. The 31-year-old looks to have plenty left in the tank.
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