By 5 o' clock on Saturday we would've played six games with three of the top four played away already but Chelsea holds some extra incentive for the team.
But before Brendan and the squad make the trip up to London there is the pressing matter of our defensive crisis, which according to the Evening Post will result in a new signing before Saturday. Of course, the new signing won't be leading the line but more providing well needed depth to the squad.
Whilst the old partnership of Monk and Williams held strong against West Brom last week, despite Monk having to fight through the pain to make the ninety minutes, the cover at centre back is far and few between.
The main names bandied about currently are 26-year old Hungarian international Zoltán Lipták formerly of Paulo Sousa's Videoton FC and the highly experienced ex-England international Sol Campbell. Those are the descriptions you'd hear from an optimistic fan, however they could easily be read as ex-Southend player Zoltán Lipták and way past it, money grabbing, Sol Campbell.
Whilst these names may not be as glamorous as other potential free agents such as former Inter Milan player Nelson Rivas who is also available, we have to be realistic with the targets. Players like Rivas, and potentially Campbell, would demand a high wage which would not be in proportion to their role at the club.
A player like Campbell would certainly give more the team more Premier League experience but his contributions could be limited at his age. However, Lipták has already confirmed he's been training with the club and looks to be the most likely recruit. He's been in the team of the year in the Hungarian league for two years running plus has international experience - you can't ask for much more from a back-up player.
But back to the pending game at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea come off the back of a win via penalties at home to Fulham in the Carling Cup which saw a fairly strong second string squad fielded by Andre Villas-Boas. One piece of good news, for the Swans, that came from the match was the injury to Daniel Sturridge. The England U-21 international has been in impressive form after making the step up to the first team but he won't feature on Saturday.
The problem with Chelsea is that unlike us, there are world class players to fall back on. The injury to Sturridge could see the first start of the season for Didier Drogba, or Fernando Torres may be given the lone striker role again, either way it certainly takes the shine off an injury to Sturridge.
So who will we field in the match? Will Danny Graham make a return to the squad or will Leroy Lita retain his place after his impressive performance against West Brom? I imagine Brendan will stick with Lita for the time being, the lad will be brimming with confidence after last week and it would be a shame to waste that opportunity.
I'd also like to see Joe Allen retain his place in the team. Whilst Wayne Routledge provides pace and Stephen Dobbie provides an eye for goal, Allen's understanding with his fellow central midfielders may give us extra time on the ball that could frustrate the opposition and play the game our way.
The rest of the squad picks itself, but will they be strong enough to get anything from Stamford Bridge? I agree with Nathan Dyer's recent comments that we'll "give Chelsea a scare", certainly with Sinclair wanting to prove a point too but I can't see past a result for Villas-Boas' men. We have the unity, ability and now a suitable amount of experience at the back to prevent a whitewash like we experienced at the Etihad Stadium but the attacking intent Chelsea have may prove too strong for us to keep a stalemate.
A two or three-one loss is what my head predicts but a one-all draw is what my heart says - either way I'm confident we'll get a goal.
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