Chelsea host Swansea City on Sunday afternoon and the Blues will want all three points, both to capitalise on Tottenham's 2-2 draw at Wigan on Saturday and to pressure Arsenal when they host Manchester United later in the same day.

Leon Britton (L) and Juan Mata
Reuters

The three London clubs are racing to the two remaining Champions League qualifying positions for next season and only two points divide the Gunners in third and Spurs in fifth. However, both Chelsea and Tottenham do have a game in hand over Arsene Wenger's men.

The Swans have already played Chelsea thrice this season - once in the league and twice in the Capital One Cup. And Michael Laudrup has a solid record against the west London side, with a win and two draws so far. The reverse Premier League fixture ended 1-1 after Pablo's 88th minute goal cancelled Victor Moses' opener.

Where to Watch

Kick-off is set for 3pm BST. Highlights will be available on Match of the Day 2 on BBC One and BBC One HD at 10.25pm BST.

Overview

Chelsea face Swansea after a last-gasp 2-1 win over Swiss champions FC Basel in midweek. The Blues travelled to Switzerland for the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi final and needed Brazilian defender David Luiz to secure an injury time win. The advantage means Murat Yakin's side must scored at least twice, without reply, at Stamford Bridge, in order to progress to the final in the Netherlands.

Domestically, Rafael Benitez's side drew 2-2 with Liverpool last weekend, a result the infamous Suarez-Ivanovic bite incident sidelined. The Uruguayan has since been banned by the FA for 10 games but his injury time header robbed Chelsea of two points. They will face the Welsh club still in fourth place in the league but a win over Swansea will push them to third; Arsenal kick-off after this game but they face a tough task at home against United.

Ben Davies (L) and Eden Hazard
Reuters

The Blues have won only two of the last five games across all competitions, which does not bode well for their fans. However, of those five only two were Premier League games and the club picked up four points from a possible six. Chelsea have won three of their last five league games but that run includes a poor defeat to Southampton.

Stamford Bridge has been something of a fortress this season, with 10 wins and four draws from 16 games; United and QPR are the only sides to have beaten them, at home, in the league. Chelsea have scored 35 times in home games while conceding only 13; only Manchester City have conceded fewer goals (12) at home.

Meanwhile, Swansea travel with a not entirely convincing away record. Laudrup has only four wins from 16 games; seven of the remaining nine were defeats. In addition, they've scored only 15 goals on the road and, outside the relegation zone, only West Ham United and Stoke City (11) have scored less. Swansea do have a reasonable defensive record - only 19 goals conceded in away games - but even so are likely to struggle to contain the home side.

Results have been disappointing of late for the club from Wales, with three defeats and two draws in the last five. West Brom, Tottenham and Arsenal have beaten them, while Norwich City and Southampton held them to draws.

It may just be the natural let-down of a dramatic cup run that saw them beat Bradford City 5-0 in the Capital One Cup final but Michu and co need to find form if they are to maintain their top ten place. They come into this game after failing to break down the Saints' defences at the Liberty Stadium, despite enjoying more possession, more shots and the better chances.

Team Form

Chelsea

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W D W L L
  • Last Match: FC Basel 1 - 2 Chelsea

Swansea City

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): D D L L L
  • Last Match: Swansea City 0 - 0 Southampton

Team News

Expect Benitez to rotate his squad, given they have a midweek tie against Basel and face two daunting games against United and Tottenham (at Old Trafford and home respectively) on 5 May and 8 May. Senegal striker Demba Ba was cup-tied for the Europa League meaning he will replace Spain's Fernando Torres up front, leaving the former Liverpool player fresh for Basel.

His compatriot, Juan Mata, should also line up. However, Belgian youngster Eden Hazard is likely to be on the bench; the summer signing was shown the red card in the last game between these sides, for kicking a ball boy. Victor Moses, who scored in the midweek win, could retain his place.

Elsewhere, Nigerian John Obi Mikel will receive a start but England international Gary Cahill (knee) will probably have a place on the bench, as he continues his recovery.

Probable Line-Up: Cech; Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Luis, Bertrand; Obi Mikel, Ramires, Oscar, Mata, Moses; Ba

Laudrup has the luxury of a fully fit and available squad, although Neil Taylor (broken ankle) is still not match ready and, if picked, will probably start from the bench.

Probable Line-up: Vorm; Rangel, Chico, Williams, Davies; Britton, Guzmán; Hernández, Michu, Dyer; Moore

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