-









Premier League Matchday 4 sees the League's only 2 remaining sides with a 100% record - as well as its joint leaders - go face to face in a match that will end that run for one or both of them. Up for grabs - 3 points, and a likely spot at the top of the table for another week running, a pair of commodities both managers will doubtless have their sights set eagerly on.










The corresponding fixture between the sides on Boxing Day of last year was a frustrating affair for the home side ultimately decided by a single goal. The Blues were in control throughout the first half, but missed several good chances to open their account on the day. Just before the half-hour mark, however, Eden Hazard with a superb solo run into the box and firing under Gerhard Tremmel put the Blues ahead. The score would hold out through to the end, notwithstanding significant pushes from the visitors after the interval to change that, and the home side secured a hard-fought 3 points.










Both sides obtained large victories by 3-goal margins the weekend previous in their Matchday 3 fixtures. Chelsea triumphed 6-3 over a relentless Everton side at Goodison Park, courtesy of goals from Branislav Ivanovic, Nemanja Matic, Ramires, a brace from on-fire Diego Costa, and an own goal from Seamus Coleman, which all cancelled out a trio of nettings from Kevin Mirallas, Steven Naismith, and former-Blue Samuel Eto'o, resulting in an exhilarating 9-goal thriller, while Swansea played out a comparatively tame 3-0 win over struggling West Brom courtesy of a brace from Nathan Dyer sandwiching a sensational volley from Wayne Routledge.

Let's keep our record going, we're at home too so it should very much go in our favour. If we win this, we'll already be clear top of the table, which will be fantastic for us. Already the pack is chasing (Utd is already 7 points behind us ) so lets not slip up.


Remy to come off the bench.

A goal on his debut a la Costa would be be well welcomed

It would, after Costa's mandatory goal, of course.

Of course, of course

So 2 0 win, Costa Remy, will put us 12 points from 4 games and atleast 2 points ahead of the chasing pack (Aston Villa is next highest )

Why not 4-0 win, Costa x2 Remy x2?

Ok, deal.

Anyway, 3 points here will be vital. Our next 3 league games after it are City away, Villa at home (whom we always struggle against, 8-0 aside), and Arsenal at home. I'm pretty confident for all of them, but nevertheless, full points are a must.

City away will be tough but I think the others are all win-able.

I'd take a draw now.


Hopefully Arse will get something off of them in 2 weeks' time and further dent their confidence after their loss to Stoke going into our game.

Against City? Sure, I'd take that too.

Well certainly not against Swansea at home


But City have looked far from convincing thus far. Even aside from their home loss against Stoke yesterday, they weren't spectacular against Newcastle who are no world-beaters, god knows, and even in their victory over Pool, I don't think they were particularly brilliant at all, and were outplayed for large parts of the game on their own patch.


With José's mastery of big games, I'm hopeful we can get a positive result.

I am always hopefully we can.

A repeat of last year would be nice

Indeed!

This is the Swansea thread and we've talked more about the City match so far than this one

Well, it is probably more important.

Seeing 2 unbeaten teams is always fun to watch.

Hopefully we'll see Remy. And since we already have Filipe Luis in action during the Everton match, I think he should start this game.

Also, our defense should be up by a notch. Because 3 goals from the opposing team is unacceptable. We need to have that sorted before anything else.

aldrin_only wrote:Also, our defense should be up by a notch. Because 3 goals from the opposing team is unacceptable. We need to have that sorted before anything else.

At home, I have faith we will.

Luis won't start.

Ivanovic is in good form and Azpilicueta is vital too us.

I've been massively impressed with how he's stepped up since we signed Luis. The perfect example of how a player should respond to competition being signed in his position.


Take note, Mata and Lukaku.

Yes, it's been fantastic.

Super excited for this game!