Premier League - Chelsea v Swansea: odds and betting preview

STAMFORD BRIDGE, LONDON: Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas escaped on Wednesday with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win against Fulham to secure his side a place in the fourth round of the Carling Cup.

This weekend Chelsea host Swansea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge. Villas-Boas will be looking to close the gap on rivals Manchester United at the top of the table, and can be backed to beat Swansea at best odds of 2/9 (bet £9 to win £2 profit) with Coral. The draw is at a standout 6/1 with Ladbrokes and Victor Chandler, whilst an away win can fetch odds as long as 18/1 with the same bookmakers.

Last weekend Chelsea faced Manchester United in what should have been a close encounter. The high standard set by Fergusson’s side, however, seemed too much for the Londoners, as United ran away with a 3-1 win despite a missed penalty from Wayne Rooney. Chelsea are unbeaten at the Bridge this season, whilst Swansea are without a win or a draw away from home.

Spanish striker Fernando Torres will head the first goal scorer market after his tidy finish against United, and can be backed at a top price of 3/1 with Bet 365 and Skybet. Bet 365 are offering an industry best of 7/2 for Didier Drogba to net the opener, whilst Nicholas Anelka is at 5/1 with Coral. Swansea's most potent threats come from Leroy Lita, priced at 14/1 with Stan James, and Danny Graham at 14/1 with Ladbrokes and Skybet.

Chelsea/Chelsea in the half-time/full-time market is at 8/13 with Paddy Power, whilst Chelsea to win the match after being level at the break is at a standout 4/1 with Betfred. Boylesports are offering 12/1 for both half-time and full-time to be drawn,Swansea/draw can be had at a top priced 33/1 shot with Victor Chandler.

In the over/under market over 2.5 goals is at 4/9 with Boylesports and Skybet, whilst under the same 2.5 margin is at 2/1 with Stan James. For those punters predicting an open contest, 23/20 is available with William Hill for over 3.5 goals.  

Chelsea to win 2-0 is the scoreline favoured by the bookmakers, and is on offer at best odds of 6/1 with William Hill. Next in the score-line market is 1-0 Chelsea, which can be backed at best odds of 8-1 with Stan James. Boylesports are offering best odds of 14/1 on the game being a 1-1 draw, whilst a surprise 1-0 away win can fetch odds as long as 40/1 with Paddy Power.

Match Kicks of at 15.00 BST on Saturday

Chelsea v Swansea- Winner
Premier League- Winner