Chelsea vs Cardiff: Preview, prediction and team news as Blues aim to continue perfect start to season
Bluebirds are yet to find their first win of the season but Neil Warnock claims his side will not shut shop
NOBODY will be expecting Cardiff to end Chelsea's 100 per cent record when they travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
New boss Maurizio Sarri has guided Chelsea to four wins from four in the league whilst the Bluebirds are yet to find their first win of the season.
All the signs point to a home banker especially with the title hopefuls boasting an almost fully fit squad to choose from.
Weakest Link
Cardiff centre-back Sol Bamba could be in for a torrid time if Chelsea's attackers are at their best.
The 33-year-old ageing defender lacks pace which could prove a real problem against the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian.
He's one of Neil Warnock's favourites and what he lacks in pace he makes up for in strength.
Key Man
Marcos Alonso has been one of Chelsea's best players this season and is key to Sarri's plans.
The defensive wing-back already has a goal and two assists to his name in four appearances this season.
He can whip in a free-kick and consistently finds himself in the box.
Likely line-ups
Chelsea: Arrizabalaga, Alonso, Luiz, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, Barkley, Pedro, Hazard, Morata
Cardiff: Etheridge, Manga, Morrison, Bamba, Bennett, Arter, Gunnarsson, Hoilett, Camarasa, Reid, Ward
The stat that matters
Chelsea and Cardiff have played each other just three times this millennium with the Stamford Bridge outfit coming out on top on each occasion.
Chelsea have scored 10 in their last three meetings against Cardiff including two 4-1 wins.
What the boss said
Cardiff manager Neil Warnock: "If you shut shop at Stamford Bridge you're going to get picked off and lose by two or three anyway,
"So you may as well have a go, you just have to hope you don't leave yourself wide open to a pasting.
"We are looking forward to the test and with Manchester City to follow it doesn't get much tougher than that."
Prediction
As soon as the first goes in, it could be a rout.
Chelsea 3-0 Cardiff