MATCH PREVIEW: Chelsea v Swans
8th August
The Swans begin their fifth season in the Barclays Premier League when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (5.30pm).
Garry Monk's side go head-to-head against the reigning champions, with Jose Mourinho's men lifting their Premier League title last term.
The Blues lost just three league matches last season and strengthened their squad during the summer with the arrival of Asmir Begovic and Radamel Falcao.
Swansea, meanwhile, enjoyed their best-ever Premier League season in 2014-15, breaking a number of records en route to an eighth-placed finish.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho: "It's a difficult kick-off to the season for us. He's doing very well and the club is doing magnificently.
"Garry's got a good team already but he's improved the team. It's a very good team and he's a very good young manager at a club that I admire a lot."
Swans boss Garry Monk: "It doesn't come any tougher than this start, going to the home of the champions.
"But we will relish the challenge and try to come away having put on a good performance. If we can take that into the rest of the season, it would be great."
2014/15 LEAGUE MEETINGS
Chelsea 4-2 Swansea - September 13, 2014
Swansea 0-5 Chelsea - January 17, 2015
PRE-MATCH STATS
- In 23 Premier League seasons, the defending champions have never lost their opening game
- Chelsea have won 14 and lost none of their last 16 Premier League fixtures on the opening weekend. The Blues haven't lost a season opener since 1998/99 vs Coventry City
- Swansea have lost all four Premier League trips to Stamford Bridge - but won 2-0 in the Capital One Cup back in January 2013
- Last season the Swans broke club-record totals for most Premier League points (56), most wins (16), fewest goals conceded (49) and highest finish achieved (8th)
You can follow all the action from Stamford Bridge via Twitter @SwansOfficial, on Facebook and through the official website.
