Chelsea sit two points below League leaders Arsenal and Liverpool and are coming off of an impressive 3-1 away win agianst Norwich City and an international break which featured 10 goals from Chelsea players. They host Cardiff City, a team who have done pretty well so far, collecting four of their eight points on the road in three matches. Their highlight of the season so far is their impressive and stunning 3-2 victory at home over Manchester City. The Bluebirds come off of a 2-1 defeat at home against Newcastle United in a game that was taken over by Loic Remy (who scored twice). It will be a great match as Chelsea had molded into a team that likes to hold possession, especially at home, while Cardiff hold a 54% possession rate when playing on the road compared to 40% when playing at home.
Jose Mourinho saw many of his players impress during the international break with Schuerrle netting an impressive hattrick against Sweden, Lukaku scoring twice against Croatia, Oscar scoring twice in two friendlies, Kevin De Bruyne scored against Wales, Christian Atsu scored as a substitute against Egypt and Juan Mata scored for Spain against Belarus. Michael Essien caused an own goal against Egypt as his attempt was directed at goal by an Egyptian player. The Portuguese manager certainly was pleased with the good performances his players put in while away. He will hope that Chelsea and the players can continue where they left off while playing for their respective national teams and their 3-1 win against Norwich. Jose had nothing but praise for his men after scoring twice in a matter of minutes to escape a 1-1 draw at Carrow Road. Mourinho has never lost a game in the Premier League when playing at Stamford Bridge, his record: 49 wins and 14 draws. Chelsea also have a 12 match unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge, with their last defeat being a disappointing 1-0 defeat against QPR; their record of 10 wins and 2 defeats at home is the joint best in the league (Everton).
Mourinho will most likely select Petr Cech as goalkeeper for the match in what will be the Czech's 300th appearance for the club, a feat that only John Terry and Frank Lampard have achieved. However, Mourinho will be without one of his favorite players - Ashley Cole, who sustained a serious rib injury against Norwich last gameweek. The left-back wasn't fit for the England match and will not take part against Cardiff City meaning that Ryan Bertrand looks likely to start in place of him. Fernando Torres is still in a race against time as his knee injury (sustained v Steaua Bucharest) has kept him inactive for training. Also, his one match ban (due to red v Tottenham) has also expired, so if he is fit, he will be able to play. Mourinho will still have to chose between Samuel Eto'o and Demba Ba if the Spaniard is deemed as not match ready.
Malky Mackay will be ready to return to the touchline after there was much speculation about his future at the club due to a recent decision made by owner Vincent Tan. The Malaysian billionaire made the decision to fire one of Mackay's closest staff members and replace him with his son's friend, who has no football experience whatsoever. An outrageous decision which had the entire football world talking. However, a recent meeting did reach an agreement that the Scot would have the final say on transfers no matter what.
Cardiff have only won one match in their last five matches and have lost three of their last four. Mackay will also be hoping to get another cleansheet this season after getting one in the third game of the season against Everton. Their defense has struggled to keep other teams off the scoresheet and it will be very tough for them this week against a Chelsea team that is full of attacking players. However, the Bluebirds will be hopeful that veteran Craig Bellamy finds the net on Saturday as he has three goals in his last three appearances against Chelsea. However, he has only taken three shots in six matches this season. Mackay will most likely be without Andreas Cornelius who is still unsure with an ankle injury.
This will be the first league meeting between the two sides since March 1984 and their first encounter since a 2010 FA Cup match which Chelsea routinely won 4-1.
