Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the Premier League clash between Chelsea and Swansea City. The Blues are unbeaten in five games and Swansea are winless over the same period but as we have seen before, do not write off the Welsh side against a big team in the top flight. Let's find out who Antonio Conte and Paul Clement have selected this evening...

CHELSEA XI: Courtois; Rudiger, Christensen, Cahill; Zappacosta, Fabregas, Kante, Alonso; Willian, Morata, Pedro

CHELSEA SUBSTITUTES: Caballero, Azpilicueta, Ampadu, Moses, Drinkwater, Bakayoko, Hazard

SWANSEA CITY XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Van Der Hoorn, Mawson, Olsson; Ki, Mesa, Carroll, Sanches, Ayew; Bony

SWANSEA CITY SUBSTITUTES: Nordfeldt, Fer, Dyer, Routledge, Clucas, Rangel, McBurnie

Let's start with Chelsea as Conte opts to hand a rest to star man Eden Hazard. The Belgian winger has played a lot of football since recovering from an ankle injury a few weeks into the season, so Pedro comes in for the playmaker tonight.

There is also a surprise in defence with Cesar Azpilicueta being relegated to the substitutes' bench, with Antonio Rudiger coming back into the team. David Luiz may have been in contention to replace the Spaniard but he misses out due to a knee problem.

Conte has also tinkered with his midfield with Tiemoue Bakayoko and Danny Drinkwater both dropping out of the starting XI. Cesc Fabregas is included alongside N'Golo Kante, while Willian features in a more advanced position alongside Pedro and Alvaro Morata.

The bench is mainly made up of players who featured at the weekend, while Victor Moses is also included again after recovering from a hamstring injury. Youngster Ethan Ampadu will also hope to feature at some point.

It's much easier as far as Swansea are concerned because Clement has decided to name an unchanged starting lineup after the goalless draw with Bournemouth at the weekend. Tammy Abraham may have been in contention to start, but the Chelsea loanee misses out against his parent club.

Clement's decision means that Renato Sanches gets another chance to impress since his loan move from Bayern Munich. So far, the Portuguese midfielder's performances have been somewhat underwhelming. The 20-year-old is likely to be given licence to support both Wilfried Bony and Jordan Ayew.

With Abraham having to sit in the stands, Olivier McBurnie is named among the replacements, as are Nathan Dyer and Wayne Routledge. Leroy Fer and Sam Clucas are also selected on what is a strong-looking bench.

Conte had a lot to say in his press conference on Tuesday afternoon, so we will begin our build-up with bringing you the best bits. As you have seen, Conte has rotated his players for tonight's match and the Italian has suggested that it could become a regular occurrence.

One of the players to drop out of the team is Bakayoko, who continues to divide opinion since moving to Stamford Bridge from AS Monaco. The Frenchman has, so far, failed to live up to his price-tag, but Conte has indicated that he is happy with the summer signing's contribution since making the switch to the Blues.

After a six-week spell out with a hamstring injury, Victor Moses returned to the Chelsea squad for the weekend's game at Anfield but the Nigerian only features on the bench for the second game running. It's not the biggest surprise because Conte has hinted that he is in no rush to throw the wing-back straight into action.

Chelsea head into this game having earned 13 points from five games since losing out to Crystal Palace in October. However, Conte's men still have five points less than at the same stage last season, when they were top of the table. The Blues are likely to need a similar run of form to have any chance of catching leaders Manchester City.

As it stands, Chelsea only possess the ninth-best home record in the division, while just nine goals have been scored in six games. It's a far cry from their dominant form at Stamford Bridge in the past, and it is a record which needs to improve if the Blues are going to, bare-minimum, challenge for a place in the top two.

Willian has scored three of Chelsea's last four goals in all competitions, with each of them all being quality in their own way. He deserves his place in the first XI this evening, but the Brazilian playmaker has featured more times from the bench in the Premier League this season than he has from the starting lineup.

Morata impressed with goals against Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion towards the start of the month, but they remain his only strikes since September 30. There is no doubting that the Spaniard was superb during the opening weeks of the campaign, but he has much work to do to justify his price-tag.

Clement may be sitting in the Swansea dugout this evening but he is guaranteed a warm welcome from the Blues supporters. The 45-year-old has held a wide range of coaching positions at Stamford Bridge, including as assistant to Carlo Ancelotti when the club won the Premier League in 2010.

Clement has suggested that he is looking for three points on his return to West London. That statement is sure to go down a number of ways with the club's supporters, but there has to be optimism when the head coach of a struggling team talks about trying to win at a big club. It would be easy for Swansea to try to keep a clean sheet, but it doesn't look like we are going to get that approach.

That said, Clement is probably being a tad ambitious given that Swansea have only recorded nine points from 13 games this season, but it is no different to their tally from this stage of last season. Nevertheless, it took a small miracle for the Welsh club to remain in the top flight, so Clement must start to deliver sooner rather than later.

The club's only win in their last 10 matches in all competitions came against Huddersfield Town at the Liberty Stadium. That's hardly anything to shout about, and the Swans only took the lead thanks to a glaring mistake from the goalkeeper. Swansea need to find a way of imposing themselves on matches because they cannot rely on luck to change their fortunes around.

Clement could have done with Abraham at his disposal with the Chelsea loanee scoring four of Swansea's goals in the top flight this season. Conte has been speaking about the youngster's contribution and it is fair to say that he thinks that the England international is in the right place.

It means that Wilfried Bony gets another opportunity to try to break his long duck without a goal. The Ivorian has not scored in seven outings since returning to the club, while his last goal in the Premier League came for Stoke on October 31, 2016.

Swansea's goal count coincides with the club's exceptionally poor record when it comes to shots on target. Only 24 shots have found the back of the net or troubled the goalkeeper, 10 fewer than any other side. That's just an average of two shots on target per game.

PREDICTION! We obviously have to go for Chelsea here. The Blues need to start to show a ruthless streak at Stamford Bridge and we believe that will begin tonight. Conte's men to run out 3-0 winners.

HEAD TO HEAD! Tonight's fixture will represent the 34th time in which these two teams have met in a competitive fixture, with Chelsea having registered 15 wins in comparison to seven victories for Swansea.

As many as 14 matches have taken place since Swansea earned promotion to the Premier League in 2011, including two matches in the League Cup. Tonight's visitors have recorded two wins and five draws during that time, which is certainly a respectable effort.

Chelsea have only managed to defeat Swansea once in their last four matches, too, and it came earlier this year in February. Cesc Fabregas, Pedro and Diego Costa all got on the scoresheet in a 3-1 win, with Fernando Llorente netting for the Welsh side.

It's time for the two teams to make their way out at Stamford Bridge. It's been a cold day in West London and it certainly hasn't got any warmer. A reminder of the team news...

CHELSEA XI: Courtois; Rudiger, Christensen, Cahill; Zappacosta, Fabregas, Kante, Alonso; Willian, Morata, Pedro

SWANSEA CITY XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Van Der Hoorn, Mawson, Olsson; Ki, Mesa, Carroll, Sanches, Ayew; Bony

KICKOFF! Chelsea get us underway!

It's been an extremely bright start from the home side who quickly look to engineer an opening. Pedro had the chance to take on Van Der Hoorn but to his credit, the defender did well to deal with the danger.

LATEST! There are five other games taking place in the Premier League this evening and we have already had our first goal, with Lacazette giving Arsenal the lead against Huddersfield Town. Not the best of starts for the Terriers.

Aside from that early Chelsea attack, it's been a quiet opening five minutes but neither side will be too fussed so far. In all fairness, they probably need some time to warm up!

Clement's side usually enjoy plenty of possession and sometimes they are too patient for their own good but so far, the visitors are keeping the home fans' quiet. Job well done so far, with the defence and midfield seeing plenty of the ball.

SHOT! Better from the Blues as Morata creates an opportunity for himself on the edge of the penalty area before seeing his driven shot well dealt with by Fabianski.

Chelsea are in the ascendancy now. The Blues won a free kick on the flank and it's Willian to take. The inswinging delivery is a good one, but no-one can get a final touch at the back post.

Already, we are starting to see that one side possesses much more confidence than the other. Swansea had tried to assert themselves on this game but already, they have started to take a step or two back towards their own goal.

We are through 15 minutes in this game and we remain goalless. The only goal in the Premier League remains that strike from Lacazette, but half of the fixtures are only just getting underway.

Despite Chelsea having the better of the play, Swansea have only made 13 completed passes less than their hosts, who have made 109 passes. It's a meaningless stat, but it tells you that Swansea are not necessarily looking to clear the ball in a panic towards Ayew and Bony.

CHANCE! This is Chelsea's best chance of the game so far. A cross founds its way to Pedro and after controlling the ball, the Spaniard's effort - from no more than eight yards - was brilliantly kept out by Fabianski.

More pressure from Chelsea, who wins a corner through Alonso. However, the resulting set piece finds Morata who sees a header saved by the goalkeeper. It's starting to feel only a matter of time...

We are a quarter of the way through this game and we are yet to see a shot from the visitors. However, Clement won't care one bit with his team remaining goalless against the champions.

There is a bit of a lull in the action at Stamford Bridge as Swansea look to try to regain a bit of composure. They are struggling to get their attacking players involved. Chelsea look comfortable, but it only takes one moment.

LATEST! We are still without any more goals in the top flight. As it stands, Lacazette's goal for Arsenal is taking the Gunners into third place above Chelsea. Still early days, however...

CHANCE! This is better from Morata, but even more impressive from Fabianski. The forward controlled the ball inside the penalty area before directing a shot towards the roof of the net, only for the goalkeeper to tip the effort over the bar.

We have not seen a whole lot of Willian from open play. The Brazilian has been Chelsea's star performer but as it stands, it's only his threat from set pieces which is troubling Swansea.

LATEST! There may not be much happening at Stamford Bridge but the goals are now flying in elsewhere. Liverpool lead Stoke City thanks to a Sadio Mane effort and Everton have gone in front against West Ham United with Wayne Rooney netting from the spot.

Chelsea win yet another corner - their fifth of the match - but Alonso's header at the near post is never threatening Fabianksi's goal.

If things stay the same until half time, you have to wonder whether Conte will let Hazard off the leash in the second half. Chelsea don't exactly look flat, but Conte could probably afford to put an extra man forward and withdraw a defensive-minded player, perhaps Zappacosta.

Most of Chelsea's moves are ending with a free kick or corner being won. Swansea are doing really well to nullify the Blues' efforts from open play. They aren't the biggest team from set pieces but the likes of Mawson and Van Der Hoorn are doing a fine job so far.

SHOT! Pedro has been lively on his recall to the team and he goes close again here. The winger received a pass inside the penalty area before flashing a shot just off target.

You could sense that frustration was starting to get the better of Conte but the Italian has gone and got himself sent off! He disputed an iffy-looking decision involving Mawson, who appeared to concede a corner only for a goal kick to be awarded. The Blues boss has taken his protests too far and the referee has had enough!

There will be one minute of added-on time.

The half-time whistle goes at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea continue to be held by Swansea. The visitors have offered very little from an attacking perspective but Fabianski is doing an excellent job at keeping the Blues at bay. All to play for in the second half.

It has not been the most entertaining of first halves but Chelsea have created enough chances to have taken the lead. Morata and Pedro have been the main men in the final third, but Fabianski has made several saves to keep the Welsh outfit on level terms.

Swansea have barely offered a threat at the other end. It is difficult to be critical of their first-half showing because they are on level terms against a high-quality side but if Clement wants to go for the three points, he has to consider a more direct approach.

The main talking point of the first half came when Conte was sent to the stands for disputing a decision made by the referee. The Italian was his over-the-top self but the referee was having none of it. We imagine it will be information overload for his backroom staff in the changing rooms.

The two teams are making their way back out at Stamford Bridge. Swansea have opted to make a change with Fer replacing Sanches.

KICKOFF! Swansea get us back underway.

As we continue to get warmed up in the second half, we will tell you that Arsenal and Liverpool still lead against Huddersfield Town and Stoke City respectively, as are Burnley over Bournemouth. It means that Chelsea could do with winning this match...

Chelsea are back into their stride in this second half but apart from a couple of corners, they haven't threatened Fabianski's goal. It might take a special effort to beat the Pole tonight. He's been excellent.

Swansea have gotten into the final third! This is not a drill! However, that is where it ends because Courtois was able to claim Naughton's cross with ease.

Back up the other end, Fabregas looks to make his mark in the game but two crosses into the box are headed clear. The Spaniard has not been at his best tonight.

CHANCE! Pedro is used to creating chances but the Spaniard has found himself in the penalty area with regularity tonight. On this occasion, a cross found him around 10 yards from goal but the winger proceeded to blaze the ball over the bar.

Chelsea finally have their goal! A corner is played short to Kante and after the midfielder drills a shot towards goal, a deflection takes the ball into the path of Rudiger who makes no mistake from close range. Deserved opener for the Blues.

It will be interesting to see how Swansea react to going behind. They have been better since the break, but they are probably going to have to commit more men forward to give this a real go. Chelsea may even encourage it in order to gain more space for a second goal.

It's not the Alamo but Chelsea are really pushing for that second. Alonso and Pedro almost combine to double their side's lead but Van Der Hoorn makes a crucial block.

We are into the final half-hour at Stamford Bridge. We still await a Chelsea change but the onus is on Clement to change this up. Routledge and Dyer will surely be introduced sooner rather than later.

LATEST! We are yet to see any more goals elsewhere but as far as Chelsea are concerned, they remain third if they win this match. Conte - well, his backroom staff - will be demanding a professional job from here.

CHANCE! Morata has already shown this season that he is a considerable threat in the air, and the Spanish forward does well to arrow a header towards the top corner. However, Fabianski is equal to it and the ball ends up behind for a corner.

SUBSTITUTION! Instead of Dyer or Routledge, it's McBurnie. The young Scot has replaced Mesa and joined Bony in attack. Much more ambition from the visitors.

LATEST! Southampton had managed to keep out Manchester City until half time but Otamendi has now put the leaders in front at the Etihad Stadium. It was good while it lasted.

We are into the final 20 minutes at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea are currently taking a breather, aware that Swansea will soon be going for it. Don't be surprised to see the likes of Bakayoko and Drinkwater on before too long.

SHOT! Willian has been more involved in this second half and the Brazilian almost nets for the third game running with a swerving effort from distance. However, Fabianski is able to palm the ball away with minimal fuss.

Back up the other end, Swansea have managed to win a corner and it gives Mawson and Van Der Hoorn the chance to get forward. However, Morata is first to the ball and Chelsea are able to break clear.

Swansea have definitely started to improve. Ayew gets down the right before sending a cross - or maybe a shot - towards goal, only for Courtois to make light work of the effort.

SUBSTITUTION! We finally have a Chelsea change, with Moses being introduced for Zappacosta. It's his first appearance since the middle of October.

SHOT! Moments before the substitution, Alonso had seeing a rasping effort kept out by Fabianski. I will reiterate - the goalkeeper has been excellent.

Somehow, there is still all to play for in this game. Chelsea have been the better side by a country mile but Swansea are still in this. Clement still has one change up his sleeve.

SUBSTITUTION! Well Chelsea now have none. Willian and Pedro have made way with Drinkwater and Hazard coming on in their place.

It looks to be a case of running down the clock for Chelsea but the Blues cannot afford to go too defensive here. There's absolutely no need to sit back when they can create opportunities to score a second.

SUBSTITUTION! Swansea finally make their final switch with Routledge coming on for Ayew.

Hazard has been a threat since he came on a few minutes ago and on two occasions, the Belgian has almost created a goal for his side. He looks keen to show his manager that he did not want to be rested.

As it stands, Swansea have had just two shots on goal in this match and neither have been on target. That needs to change if they are going to nick a point from this game.

This is a close call for Chelsea as Bony just fails to get on the end of a looping cross from Routledge. The home side cannot get complacent here.

There will be four minutes of added-on time.

Chelsea are doing an effective job in running down the clock. I'm not sure that Swansea are going to be able to get the ball down the other end.

Well I was wrong. Here comes the visitors and Cahill is forced into a fine defensive header to clear a cross from Olsson.

The full-time whistle goes at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea have held on for an important three points. While their rivals are scoring for fun elsewhere, a header from Rudiger has got the job done for Conte's side, who remain in third place.

That will be all from Sports Mole for this game. Thank you for joining us this evening and we hope to see you again soon.

If you would like to read our on-the-whistle report from Stamford Bridge, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.