Chelsea FC: Predicting the Blues' Starting XI Against Swansea

Having suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United last weekend, Andre Villas-Boas's side have the relatively less difficult task of taking on Premier League newcomers Swansea City on Saturday.

However, the Swans are not to be taken lightly, as manager Brendan Rogers has instilled a sense of togetherness and confidence in his tightly knit squad.

Goalkeeper Michel Vorm is on form and the Welsh side won their first game of the season last weekend, so Saturday's match is not guaranteed to be a walk in the park for the Blues.

With that being said, let's take a look at Chelsea's probable starting lineup for the game.

GK: Petr Cech

Chelsea's No. 1 looks set to continue his run in the team, despite picking up a head knock against Fulham in Wednesday's Carling Cup tie.

The Czech international was substituted at halftime after a collision with Orlando Sa, but fortunately a hospital scan gave the goalkeeper the all-clear.

However, if Cech misses out, it looks likely that Ross Turnbull will replace him between the sticks.

LB: Ashley Cole

Ashley Cole is another stalwart of the Chelsea team.

The 30-year-old left-back provides a constant threat to every side he plays against, and Swansea will be no exception.

Expect direct running, excellent passing and quality final balls.

CB: David Luiz

The former Benfica defender has set Stamford Bridge alight with some superb performances since his move in January. Luiz only returned from injury last week but looks to cement his place in the first-team squad.

The Brazilian defender could be a fixture in Chelsea's team for many years to come.

CB: John Terry

John Terry needs little introduction.

The 30-year-old captain has been with Chelsea for over 12 years and shows no signs of slowing down. 

Terry also scored a fortnight ago in a win over Sunderland.

RB: Jose Bosingwa

Chelsea's right-back has started the season in form.

Bosingwa has been replicating the performances of the 2008/09 season, which can only bode well for the rest of the year.

The Portuguese defender left Porto for Chelsea in May 2008.

LM: Ramires

The former Cruzeiro midfielder has grown into his role at Chelsea.

Despite enduring a slow start, the Brazilian has shone in recent games, with a range of first-class passes and excellent stamina.

Ramires should be part of a three-man midfield.

CM: Frank Lampard

Veteran midfielder Frank Lampard's role at Chelsea has diminished in recent years, but the England international remains an important player.

The 33-year-old only played 24 games in the league last season but is hoping to improve on that this year.

Lampard also came out this week and openly backed his former club Swansea to survive in the Premier League.

RM: Raul Meireles

Liverpool's former superstar is beginning to make a name for himself under Andre Villas-Boas.

Meireles had a fine debut against Sunderland and has continued to impress with assured performances against Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester United.

The Portuguese midfielder joined Chelsea on deadline day for £12m.

AM: Juan Manuel Mata

Skilful playmaker Mata has been in inspired form since leaving Spain for England.

The former Valencia player has scored two goals in four appearances for Chelsea as well as setting up several more, and the versatile Spanish international has been part of a three-pronged attack, flanking Sturridge and Torres.

However, in the absence of Sturridge, Mata will more likely be positioned as the link between midfield and attack.

ST: Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba was widely expected to leave the Bridge this past summer, but the experienced African forward decided to stay put.

However, the Ivorian striker has been on the sidelines for over three weeks since being knocked out cold by John Ruddy in their league match with Norwich.

But with Daniel Sturridge out with a knee injury, Drogba could make his first start for Chelsea since the end of August.

ST: Fernando Torres

Was it the worst miss of the season? Probably.

It remains to be seen whether last week's horrific effort against Manchester United will affect the Spanish forward, but it looks likely that Andre Villas-Boas will persist with the 27-year-old.

Torres has largely struggled since joining Chelsea from Liverpool for £50m in January.

Conclusion

On paper, Chelsea should record a comfortable win over Swansea this weekend.

However, the Blues are yet to hit top gear and have laboured to wins over West Brom and Sunderland in recent weeks.

And with the Swans recording their first win of the season last week, anything is possible.