Well, here we are. After a football-less summer – aside from the Women’s World Cup and the U-21 EUROs – we can finally get back to Premier League action. Rounding off the opening day of the campaign we’ll have champions Chelsea, who play host to Swansea City in what promises to be an interesting clash. Will the Blues pick up where they left off last term? Of could Garry Monk’s Swans pull off an opening day shock? Our match previews are brought to you by @OfficialCFCnet and @ChelseaFanCast.

CFCNet…

Chelsea go into Saturday’s teatime opening fixture against Swansea City engulfed in transfer speculation.

Mohamed Salah has joined Roma on a season-long loan, Roma also have an option to buy him at any time during that loan. It also looks like the left back saga is nearing its end, as Abdul Baba Rahman has all but joined Jose’s squad.

Meanwhile the John Stones saga drags on, and although two bids have been tabled, I’m sure Jose will get his man in the end.

When Chelsea last played Swansea in January, the Blues were the victors by five goals. That performance was lauded as one of the best performances by the Blues in recent memory. Swansea, will be determined to redeem themselves, so I expect a resolute performance from the Jacks and predict Chelsea to labour to a 2 – 1 victory, with Swansea scoring first.

Chelsea FanCast

When Chelsea beat Swansea 5-0 at the turn of the year it was the high-water mark in terms of their style of play in the title-winning season. After that Jose shut up shop as Chelsea took no more risks. Title won, job done.

Pre-season has been somewhat uninspiring with the team playing like they have been half asleep. It all kicks off against Swansea, so let’s hope Chelsea have woken up from their summer slumber and furthermore let’s hope there’s more flair on show than the stuttering performances during the run in to the title.

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